Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Charles Public Beach

August 20, 2025
Media Contact: Bill Pfeiffer, Environmental Health Supervisor
(757) 414-6252 or (757) 302-4278

Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Charles Public Beach 

NASSAWADOX, Va. – The Northampton County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for the Cape Charles Public Beach, Cape Charles, Virginia.  Beach water samples collected on August 19, 2025, by the Virginia Department of Health confirmed that micro organism ranges within the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.

Recreational waters are monitored for micro organism utilizing indicator organisms similar to enterococci, the indicator of selection for estuarine and marine waters.  “The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them frequently to confirm this,” mentioned Eastern Shore Health District Director, Jon Richardson.   “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 on the Fe

Warning!   Swimming Advisory
Bacteria Levels Do Not Meet State Water Quality Standards
Swimming Not Recommended Until Further Notice

Health officers will proceed testing the positioning, and they’re going to take away the indicators and notify the general public once more when the micro organism ranges lower to ranges that meet the usual. Environmental well being officers pattern Cape Charles Public Beach on a weekly foundation throughout the swimming season from late May to early September.

Enterococci is a gaggle of organisms used to find out the extent of fecal contamination of leisure waters. While they don’t trigger sickness, scientific research point out that their presence is intently correlated to the presence of different disease-causing organisms. People swimming or enjoying in waters with micro organism ranges increased than the usual have an elevated threat of growing gastrointestinal sickness.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by following this advisory,” mentioned Richardson. “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”

For extra data on seaside advisories, contact the Northampton County Health Department at (757) 414-6252.  To be taught extra in regards to the seaside water monitoring program in Virginia go to For extra details about leisure water swimming security, go to the web site www.swimhealthyva.com.

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Last Updated: August 20, 2025