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**Summary:**

A water quality advisory was issued for Rehoboth Beach at Rehoboth Avenue on July 3rd due to high levels of enterococcus bacteria (10,462 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters). However, a re-test on July 3rd showed significantly lower levels (81 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters), leading to the lifting of the advisory on July 4th. The advisory was issued due to concern that high bacteria levels, potentially caused by recent heavy rains and stormwater runoff, could pose a risk to vulnerable swimmers, especially children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

**News Article:**

**Rehoboth Beach Water Advisory Lifted After Retest Shows Safe Bacteria Levels**

**REHOBOTH BEACH, DE –** The recreational water quality advisory issued for Rehoboth Beach at Rehoboth Avenue has been lifted, city officials announced on July 4th. The advisory, initially put in place on July 3rd, was a result of elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria found in a water sample taken the previous day. The initial test showed a reading of 10,462 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, exceeding the state threshold for recreational swimming.

“Following the initial findings, a re-test was immediately conducted on July 3rd,” said city spokesperson Lynne Coan. “The results, obtained after a 24-hour lab analysis, showed a significant decrease in bacteria levels, well below the standard for recreational contact.”

The re-test revealed 81 colony-forming units of enterococcus per 100 milliliters.

The advisory, issued by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), urged swimmers to use caution and avoid prolonged periods in the water. Officials cautioned that elevated bacteria levels can pose a risk, especially to children, individuals over 65, and those with medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Swimmers were advised to avoid submerging their heads in the water.

Coan attributed the initial elevated bacteria levels to recent heavy rain episodes. “Stormwater runoff can collect bacteria from pet and wildlife waste, potentially impacting water quality,” she explained.

While the advisory was in effect for Rehoboth Avenue, DNREC also monitors bacteria levels at Virginia Avenue and Queen Street in Rehoboth Beach. Results for these locations as of June 30th were well below the advisory threshold.

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