CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Chatham County Health Department issues water advisory for parts of Tybee Island beach

Savannah Morning News - 1/19/2022

Jan. 20—A beach water advisory has been issued for parts of Tybee Island after higher than usual levels of bacteria were found in two beach locations:

— Middle Beach at Center Terrace — Lovell street to 11th street

— Strand Beach at the Pier — 11th street to 18th street

There's no way of knowing whether going into affected areas will result in illness, but the Chatham County Health Department advises visitors not to swim or wade in the affected waters.

Fish and seafood caught in the area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and cooked before eating, said the advisory.

Inspections for enterococcus bacteria are made at Tybee Island beach every week. When the level of bacteria is above the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended standards, an advisory is issued. The bacteria is usually found in warm blooded animals including humans, birds, raccoons and other wildlife. Sources could be animal waste, storm water runoff or boating waste.

An advisory does not mean the beach will be closed and other areas of the beach shouldn't be affected, according to the Chatham County Health Department.

The areas will be re-tested, and the advisories will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the EPA's recommended standards. For more information about beach water testing, go to www.gachd.org and click on the Environmental Health tab.

Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.

___

(c)2022 the Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.)

Visit the Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.) at savannahnow.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.