Because of the presence of high levels of germs, the Hillsborough County Health Department has issued a swim advisory for two of the county’s beaches.
Both Bahia Beach in Ruskin and Davis Island Beach in Tampa have been deemed unfit for swimming by the authorities in charge of maintaining the public’s health based on the standards for fecal indicator bacteria.
As a result, swimming is not recommended at either of these beaches.
Health officials stated that “The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”
A further round of tests on the water is scheduled for the following week.
Visit the website FloridaHealth.gov for any additional details.
