Water advisory for Rehoboth Beach lifted Wednesday afternoon after high bacteria levels

A recreational water advisory that was in place for a large section of Rehoboth Beach was lifted Wednesday afternoon, according to the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

DNREC announced the initial water advisory Tuesday. The affected stretch of beach was from Pennsylvania Avenue to Stockley Street, which extends north of the Henlopen Hotel and south several blocks past Funland.

DNREC issued the advisory after reporting high levels of an indicator bacteria known as Enterococci. These bacteria most likely come from wildlife feeding near the surf − such as shorebirds, marine mammals or other warm-blooded animals − or increased rainfall and waves, according to DNREC.

The beaches remain open during water advisories, but the state department advises swimmers to be cautious and know that there could be potentially harmful bacteria in the water.

DNREC routinely tests recreational waters during the summer, and the water advisory will be lifted when the indicator bacteria levels lower within the "recreational water limits."

PREVIOUS ADVISORY:Water advisory lifted late Friday issued for parts of Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey Beach

This is the fifth recreational water advisory so far this summer. To compare, last summer saw five total water advisories between May 17 and Sept. 1, according to DNREC data.

Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware beaches: Water advisory lifted for Rehoboth Beach