City officials said at about 11 a.m. today that the beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is reopening after testing from the state Health Department indicated bacteria levels in the ocean water have dropped back to safe levels.

The popular snorkeling destination was closed Wednesday when staff conducting routine monitoring found levels of enterococci at 222 per 100 milliliters, more than the threshold of 130 per 100 milliliters.

The state Health Department issued warnings that the presence of high levels of enterococci indicate that potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites may be present in the water and that swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make you ill.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding while this treasured beach location was closed to the public,” said city officials in a statement.