Officials Monitor Water Quality at Delaware & NJ Beaches
Two recreational water quality advisories were issued at Delaware beaches on Tuesday, July 22, for Lewes’ Savannah Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park’s Herring Point. According to Delaware Online, the…
Two recreational water quality advisories were issued at Delaware beaches on Tuesday, July 22, for Lewes' Savannah Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park's Herring Point.
According to Delaware Online, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issues these advisories when fecal indicator bacteria (Enterococcus) levels test above the health standard. Beaches under these advisories don't typically close, but swimming is not recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems or other medical conditions.
"These bacteria most likely originate from wildlife sources. Increased rainfall, waves, or wildlife feeding near the surf (shorebirds, marine mammals, or other warm-blooded animals) can result in these indicator bacteria washing into the near shore waters," the department's website states.
The department compares the number of Enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water and issues an advisory when the result is higher than the standard.
At Savannah Beach in Lewes, the standard is 10 colonies. Testing on Monday, July 21, showed 63 colonies. At Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, the standard is eight. Testing on July 21 showed 238 colonies. The advisories will be lifted as soon as testing indicates that the bacteria levels have dropped below the standard.
New Jersey beaches remain open, and the water is safe to enter following the lifting of swimming advisories that were issued for the state earlier in the week.
A bacteria commonly found in animal and human waste was detected in the waters along the New Jersey coast, raising concerns at the Jersey Shore. While swimming advisories have been lifted for most affected beaches, some areas are still under monitoring.
According to FOX 29 News, swimming advisories had been put into place for Ocean Avenue and Brooklyn beaches in Cape May County, Beesley's Point Beach in Upper Township, and New Jersey Avenue in Somers Point, Atlantic County. Although the advisories have been lifted, monitoring continues at some locations, including New Jersey Avenue in Somers Point.
