– Update –
The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is liftingthe advisory for high bacterial levels the following locations:
Clearwater Beach near Mandalay Park Sand Key County Beach, and Indian Rocks County Beach
Tests conducted on May 15 indicate that the water quality at all threelocations shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established bystate guidelines.
Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
– Initial Report –
The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has issued a public health advisory for Clearwater Beach near Mandalay Park, Sand Key County Beach, and Indian Rocks County Beach due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended. Samples taken were above the threshold for enterococci bacteria. These beaches have been resampled and results are pending.
When resampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the
advisory will be lifted.
An advisory is issued when the beach action value is 70.5 or higher. This is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that
normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant coastal beach water
quality problems.
If you have open cuts or sores, keep them as clean as possible by washing them
with soap and water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.
The latest testing on marine (saltwater) beaches will be updated on DOH’s
website:
www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.
For further information, visit www.floridahealth.gov.
