CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health issued a swimming advisory at Kiptopeke State Park beach near Cape Charles.
Water samples collected July 1 showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.
“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them frequently to confirm this,” said Environmental Health Manager, Jon Richardson in a Facebook post. “On the occasions when waters do fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”
Signs have been posted at the Kiptopeke State Park Beach alerting the public of the advisory. Once the advisory has been lifted, so will the signs.
Water samples are taken from the beach weekly from May to September.
The tested water levels showed there were high levels of Enterococci, a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.
People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.
For additional information about beach advisories, contact the Accomack County Health Department at (757)787-5886.
