Every week, environmental health officials inspect several beaches to see if levels are safe for swimmers. If bacteria levels are high, an advisory is issued.
HAMPTON, Va. — It’s a fairly quick process: A small glass vial is dipped into shoreline water, and the sample is returned to the lab.
“Those water samples are then delivered to the City of Newport News Water Department,” said Mary Wainwright, environmental health manager for the Hampton Peninsula Health District.
The sample testing helps environmental health officials look for a bacteria called enterococci.
“This is just an indicator bacterium that may indicate the presence of fecal matter in the water,” she said.
Wainwright said those tests are based on Virginia’s Beach Action Value: If the value reaches 104 or higher, a warning is issued and signs are posted around the beach to warn beachgoers, Wainwright said.
“They’re saying, ‘This water may contain fecal bacteria, which may cause recreational illnesses, including gastrointestinal disorders.’
Health officials are expecting more people to head out to the beach, so several beaches, including Buckroe Beach, will be conducting weekly testing from May through to September.
“The summer season is booming,” she said. “People want to get outside, the weather is nice, and get in the water.”
Wainwright said the goal is to keep everyone safe. The warning doesn’t prohibit swimming in natural waters, but it’s not recommended to do so at that time. But people should exercise caution if they choose to ignore the warning and dive in, Wainwright said.
“Check to see if they have any cuts, open wounds or sores, or if they have a weakened immune system that could make them more susceptible to infection.”
She added that people should also shower immediately after getting out of the water. Wainwright said authorities recommend the same guidelines for pets.
The Hampton and Peninsula Health Departments typically test water levels on the coast every Tuesday, Wainwright said. He said the weekly sample testing has been funded by an EPA grant for several years.
Wainwright said the Virginia Department of Health only issues swimming advisories and does not close beaches. The decision to close beaches rests with local governments, he said.
You can monitor the situation in Virginia Beach on the VDH website .
