Environmental Scientists Test Delaware Coast Waters During Summer Months

DEWEY BEACH, Del - The Atlantic Ocean water near Dewey Beach's Dagsworthy Street has the "all clear" from the

. But that was not the case a week ago. For nearly a full day, a swimming advisory was issued due to higher than normal bacteria levels.  An advisory does not close the beach, as DNREC does not have the authority to do that. The advisory provides information for those considering a trip to the beach.  Bacteria levels for Delaware's part of the Atlantic Ocean are usually within acceptable standards. "Water quality exceedances are very rare (on these beaches)," DNREC Environmental Scientist Michael Bott said. "This is because the waters are very well flushed." Bott and other scientists test the waters along the ocean and Delaware Bay each Monday. There are five other points that will get a second test on Wednesday. It takes 24 hours for the results to return. It is those results that determine if an advisory needs to be issued. The weekly testing ends the third week in September.