Polk Street Beach on northern Tybee Island has been placed under advisory by the Chatham County Health Department.
This advisory only covers the area at the mouth of the Savannah River, from the end of the beach to the jetty, and does not impact any other beaches on the island, officials said.
They said the water advisory is to alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact but does not mean the beach is closed.
Routine water quality tests from samples taken Tuesday showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.
The Chatham County Health Department recommends against swimming or wading in the water under the advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from te area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.
The area will be retested Thursday, officials said, and the advisory will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards.