Water Advisories Issued for Delaware, Florida Beaches Over Bacteria Levels

Several recreational water advisories have been issued along the East Coast due to elevated bacteria levels ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, officials warned swimmers to use caution and limit time in the water near Rehoboth Avenue after fecal indicator bacteria levels exceeded safety standards, particularly advising those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions to be cautious. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control linked the contamination partly to stormwater runoff following heavy rains. Similarly, Florida's Department of Health issued a water quality advisory for Mashes Sand Beach in Wakulla County due to bacterial contamination, advising against water activities until conditions improve. Conversely, a swimming advisory at Huntington Beach in Newport News, Virginia, was recently lifted after water tests confirmed safe bacteria levels, with officials continuing routine monitoring throughout the swimming season. Health authorities across these regions emphasize safety precautions such as avoiding swallowing water and steering clear of swimming after heavy rains to minimize illness risks.