Swimming advisory issued for Yorktown Beach after bacteria detected

Health officials on Thursday issued a swimming advisory for Yorktown Beach after detecting elevated levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the water.

Water samples taken from the beach, located at 425 Water Street in York County, showed the presence of enterococci bacteria beyond the state water quality standard.

Enterococci is an indicator of fecal matter and those who swim in the water are at greater risk for gastrointestinal illness.

Signs have since been posted in the area of the beach warning against swimming at the beach until enterococci levels return to below the water quality standard.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com