FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Bacteria levels in beach water are monitored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) at 45 public beaches in Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean during the swimming season (May-September). Water samples are collected weekly by Local Health Departments and analyzed by local laboratories for enterococci bacteria. If bacteria levels exceed Virginia’s Beach Action Value of 104 MPN/100 mL of water, a swimming advisory is issued.
Enterococci bacteria serve as an indicator for fecal contamination in salt and brackish waters. These organisms are not harmful themselves but indicate that other potentially harmful organisms may be present.
1. What are swimming advisories?
Swimming advisories are a method of public notification issued by VDH to advise recreational water users of health risks that may be present in natural bodies of water.
2. When are swimming advisories issued?
Swimming advisories are typically issued when water sample results exceed the Beach Action Value (BAV) for bacteria in natural waters. VDH may also issue advisories after pollution incidents such as sewer overflows, chemical spills, or major storm events.
3. Why are swimming advisories issued?
VDH issues swimming advisories based on Virginia’s BAV. When beach samples exceed the BAV, it means people are more likely to experience illness when exposed to natural waters.
4. How will people know if a swimming advisory is in effect?
Several public notification methods may be used by VDH to issue a swimming advisory, including:
- Posting an advisory sign in plain view at the swimming location access point.
- Publishing swimming advisories for coastal public beaches on the VDH Beach Map
- Informing local government officials via email.
5. Can people still swim if a swimming advisory is issued?
Though it is not recommended to swim, and the beach itself does not close, VDH swimming advisories do not prohibit people from swimming in natural waters. Swimming advisories are intended to notify recreational water users that swimming is not recommended due to elevated levels of bacteria.
6. When are swimming advisories lifted?
VDH swimming advisories are lifted when additional sampling demonstrates that results are below the BAV for bacteria.
Please click on the Beach Map for the current status of Virginia's public coastal beaches.
Yes. However, you must register for the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Registration is quick, easy and free. Anglers can register by visiting the website or by calling 1-800-723-2728.
