Pollution in Virginia Beach includes on-site wastewater systems and stormwater runoff from oceanfront development. The City of Norfolk's major source of pollution is stormwater, runoff, and breaks in pipes. Of the estuarine waters assessed, 25.8 percent fully support all designated uses, 56.2 percent fully support all uses but are threatened, and 18.1 percent are impaired for one or more uses. All of Virginia's 120 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastal waters fully support their designates uses. Fecal coliform, Total coliform, Enterococcus.
All standards apply to both marine and fresh water.
Once every two weeks. Virginia Beach always closes beaches when the bacterial standards are exceeded. Norfolk's decision to close a beach depends on the bacteria levels and how widespread the contamination is. Local officials have discretion as to whether to post beaches. Norfolk alerts governmental agencies, posts signs and makes announcements through television, radio, and newspaper.