The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has lifted the water quality advisories issued Aug. 4 for Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Public notices issued Aug. 5 said all three have been tested again and all three were below the recreational water quality limit.

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. Recent nearshore concentrations of baitfish and other potential food sources, such as sea angels or sea butterflies that have been observed in higher concentrations lately, increase the likelihood of wildlife feeding near the surf zone. The advisories will be lifted once indicator bacteria levels are within the recreational water limits.

The samples were taken at Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach and Dagsworthy Avenue in Dewey Beach. The advisory did not indicate where in Bethany Beach a sample was taken.