Published on August 04, 2022
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has issued a recreational water advisory for Dewey Beach, from Dagsworthy Avenue to Collins Avenue, and for segments of Rehoboth and Bethany beaches as well due to sample test results that indicate elevated levels of bacteria. The beach in Dewey remains open, but beach-goers are advised to use caution and/or avoid prolonged periods in the water.
The bacteria, DNREC says, most likely originates from wildlife sources – and specifically wildlife feeding near the surf. The DNREC advisory notes that: “Recent nearshore concentrations of baitfish and other potential food sources, such as ‘sea angels or sea butterflies,’ which have been observed in higher concentrations lately, increase the likelihood of wildlife feeding near the surf zone.”
The advisory is in effect through the afternoon of Friday, August 5th, when, depending on results of daily testing, the advisory may be updated or lifted.
For more information about this advisory, visit recwaters.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on the Dagsworthy Avenue red symbol on the map.
Advisory Information
Site: | Dewey Beach-Dagsworthy |
Type: | Recreational Water Advisory |
Reason: | Bacteria |
Start Date: | 8/4/2022 3:45:00 PM |
End Date: | 8/5/2022 3:45:00 PM |
Description: | Recreational Water Advisory |
Comment: | The Town of Dewey Beach received and discussed the below Recreational Water Advisory with DNREC. DNREC in coordination with the town will continue to monitor and test the water quality daily and update as necessary. A water quality advisory has been issued for Dewey Beach-Dagsworthy following indicator bacterial results which were above the recreational water quality standard. These bacteria most likely originate from wildlife sources. Increased rainfall, waves or wildlife feeding near the surf (shorebirds, marine mammals or other warm blooded animals) can result in these indicator bacteria washing into the near shore waters. Recent nearshore concentrations of baitfish and other potential food sources, such as “sea angels or sea butterflies” which have been observed in higher concentrations lately, increase the likelihood of wildlife feeding near the surf zone. A water quality sample has been taken at Dewey Beach-Dagsworthy and the advisory will be lifted once indicator bacteria levels are within the recreational water limits. |