Swimming advisories have been issued in Norfolk and Hampton after fecal bacteria was detected.

NORFOLK, Va. — Multiple health agencies across Hampton Roads issued swimming advisories Wednesday after water quality tests showed elevated levels of fecal bacteria.

Norfolk Public Health has issued swimming advisories for two Ocean View beaches, Captain's Quarters and Fifth Bay Beach.

The Hampton Health Department also issued a swimming advisory for Buckroe Beach South, near the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier at the end of South Resort Road.

Both agencies said water quality tests conducted Tuesday showed elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria that exceeded state water quality standards.

The bacteria does not typically cause illness, but studies suggest it correlates with the presence of other pathogens, the agency said.

Signs have been posted at both beaches to inform the public of these precautions.

According to the Hampton Health Department, the signs read: “Warning swimmers – swimming is not recommended until further notice as bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards.”

For more information regarding these advisories, please call Norfolk Public Health’s Environmental Health Division at (757) 683-2712.

For more information about the Virginia Department of Health’s Beach Monitoring Program and current swimming advisory maps, visit the Health Department’s website