Water advisory issued for Lewes Beach

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issued a water quality advisory June 5 for Lewes Beach following bacterial results that were above the recreational water quality standard.

The City of Lewes has closed Lewes Beach to swimming based on the advisory issued by DNREC. Increased rainfall and heavy surf can result in these indicator bacteria washing into the near shore waters.

In Delaware, increased levels of indicator bacteria primarily originate from wildlife sources such as migratory shore birds, particularly along the Delaware Bay. Additional water quality samples have been taken at Lewes Beach and the advisory will be lifted once indicator bacteria levels are within the recreational water limits.

Shoreline surveys are conducted adjacent to guarded recreational beaches to identify all actual and potential sources of pollution. Water samples are collected at least weekly at all guarded beaches during the swimming season (mid-May through Labor Day). Water samples are analyzed to determine the levels of Enterococci bacteria in recreational waters. Enterococcus is one of several indicator organisms that signal the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 

For current information about swimming advisories, check the DNREC website or call 1-800-922-WAVE.