Health Department Points One other Swimming Advisory for Cape Charles Beach

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 18, 2026 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 reminiscent of enterococci, the indicator of alternative 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 Cape Charles Public Beach alerting the general public of the advisory. The signal reads:  

Warning!   Swimming Advisory 

Bacteria Levels Do Not Meet State Water Quality Standards 

Swimming Not Recommended Until Further Notice 

Health officers will proceed testing the location, and they’ll 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 weekly throughout the swimming season from late May to early September.  

Enterococci are 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 above 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 “Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”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 further data on seashore advisories, contact the Northampton County Health Department at 757-414-6252.  To study extra in regards to the seashore water monitoring program in Virginia, go to vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/beach-monitoring/.   For extra details about leisure water swimming security, go to the web site www.swimhealthyva.com.