Chesapeake Health Department

Chesapeake Health Department graphic logo. Chesapeake Health Department on Facebook graphic logo and website link.
Chesapeake Health Department on Twitter graphic logo and website link.
Chesapeake Health Department on Instagram graphic logo and website link.		 748 Battlefield Blvd N
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757)382-8600 MAIN
Click Here For Departmental Phone Numbers.
We are dedicated to preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting the environment for all the citizens of Chesapeake.

Healthy Swimming and Recreational Water Safety

Natural Waters Advisory

The City of Chesapeake has many streams, creeks, rivers, and associated tributaries. These natural waters are continuously changing and can be susceptible to pollution that can cause health risks to people and their pets. The Department of Public Works, under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program Plan, monitors the current condition of the City’s natural waterbodies and the impact from stormwater infrastructure. However, water users should always assume a level of risk when using natural waters. Because of the potential sources of contamination that can impact water quality (including sewer line breaks, illegal dumping, and runoff of pesticides, herbicides, etc.), swimming in city natural waters is discouraged. In partnership with the City of Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Health Department offers the following advice:
Prevent illness and injury when swimming in natural waters by following these steps:

  • Avoid swimming in natural waters for a few days after a heavy rain event.
  • Avoid swimming in muddy water of lakes, ponds, and rivers.
  • Avoid swimming in unfamiliar ponds, streams, creeks, ditches, and canals.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming.
  • Avoid getting water shot up your nose when swimming, especially in warm shallow water.
  • Look for posted signs near recreational areas for current advisories.
  • Be aware of local weather conditions prior to recreational activities and watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents.
  • Don’t recreate in areas where there are dead fish present.
  • Don’t swim or wade in with open wounds or cuts.
  • Don’t swim if you are ill.
  • Shower with soap and clean water after water contact.

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking – Prevention and Response Resources

Stop Domestic Violence graphic logo.If you, or someone you know, is in a domestic violence or human trafficking situation there is help available. If you are in immediate danger please call 911. For other crisis resources, visit the following:

Genieve Shelter organization logo and website link. (757) 251-0144 Samaritan House Virginia, stop the violence graphic logo and website link.
(757) 631-0710		 Her Shelter organization graphic logo and website link.
(757) 251-0144		 Eliminating racism, empowering women YWCA South Hampton Roads graphic logo and website link.
(757) 625-4248

The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733
Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 1-866-347-2423
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
South Hampton Roads Coordinated Crisis Response Hotline (757) 251-0144

Healthy Chesapeake – Building a Culture of Wellness Healthy Chesapeake - Coalition of government and businesses for a healther Chesapeake graphic logo and website link.

Healthy Chesapeake is committed to building a culture of wellness that supports, sustains and advocates for a healthier Chesapeake. Working together we can advocate for a healthier Chesapeake where people live, learn, play, work and worship.

Visit our website at http://www.healthychesapeake.org or contact us at healthychesapeake@gmail.com for more information.

Last Updated: September 26, 2024