Bacteria back to normal levels at Dewey, Bethany beaches
It's safe again to take the plunge at Dewey and Bethany beaches.
Tests by the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in Dewey and Bethany beaches on Wednesday showed elevated bacteria levels above the state standard for enterococci. By late Thursday afternoon, results were back at acceptable levels for safe recreating.
The state issues advisories when samples test positive for excess bacteria, but they do not close beaches or swimming areas.
The state's benchmark for issuing an advisory in ocean waters is 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of enterococci bacteria from a single test. At Bethany Beach, the single sample test result on Wednesday was 110 colonies of enterococci bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. At Dewey, the reading was 121 at the Dagsworthy test site. On Thursday, the results had dropped to 5 and 10, respectively.
Last Thursday Rehoboth Beach experienced a similar spike in bacteria levels.
STORY: Water quality advisory issued for Rehoboth Beach
STORY: Rehoboth swim advisory lifted
Heavy rain can cause significant stormwater runoff. Everything from motor oil to animal waste washes into storm drains when there are downpours. For healthy adults, the elevated levels aren't much of a risk, said Debbie Rouse, the recreational swimming and shellfish safety manager for the state. People with impaired immune systems, young children and older people should use caution and avoid contact with the eyes, ears, nose and throat, she said. The concern, especially, if a swimmer swallows the water, is an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness.
Delaware's ocean beaches typically rank high in assessments of swimming water quality. In 2013, the Natural Resources Defense Council ranked Rehoboth to Fenwick Island among the best in the national for clean swimming water. In 2014, Dewey Beach was ranked among the best in the nation.
Reach Molly Murray at (302) 463-3334 or mmurray@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @MollyMurraytnj.