UPDATE: The advisory was lifted at 3 p.m. on May 24.
State environmental officials have issued a recreational water advisoryfor Slaughter Beach after tests revealed high amounts of bacteria in the water.
Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says thousands of shorebirds are visiting the Delaware Bay and leaving their droppings on the beaches.
The bacteria officials found indicates fecal bacteria is nearby. Rain can wash this bacteria onto shore.
The recreational water advisory often precedes another advisory that discourages swimming.
Officials say they’ll lift the advisory once bacteria levels are down to state recreational water limits of 104 colony forming units per 100 millimeters.
