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The Department monitors beaches throughout the state for levels of Enterococcus, an indicator for enteric pathogens that may cause illness from submersion of the head during swimming or other recreational activities. Illness risk exists in all natural waters and is higher for children under 5, people over 65, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Because monitoring does not occur daily and lab results are received the day after sampling, monitoring data should not be viewed as a yes-or-no indicator of swimming safety. Instead, DNREC monitors recreational waters to provide the public with guidance on typical water quality conditions over time (through a 30-day average called the geometric mean) to help the public make informed decisions based on their personal health condition.
For coastal beaches from Lewes to Fenwick, if the geometric mean exceeds recreational water quality standards, DNREC issues a swimming advisory to indicate elevated illness risk over the previous 30 days. Additionally, an advisory is issued if two consecutive samples exceed the standard; after the first sample exceeding the standard, an icon will appear on the map to show that resampling is underway. Click on each location on the map to see monitoring data and additional information.
Because water quality can change quickly, especially after rainfall, monitoring data and swimming advisories should be considered general guidance only. DNREC recommends swimming at lifeguarded beaches and consulting lifeguards and NOAA for information about rip tides, high surf, and related hazards. Learn more about recreational water monitoring in Delaware. Learn more about recreational water monitoring in Delaware.
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DNREC tests beaches statewide for bacteria that can cause illness from swimming. Results reflect general water quality trends — not a daily swim safe/unsafe indicator. Higher risk groups: Children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems.
Advisories are issued when:
The 30-day average exceeds water quality standards, or
Two consecutive samples exceed the standard
Important: Water quality can change quickly, especially after rain. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches and check with lifeguards about rip tides and high surf.
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