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Water Advisories. Is your beach safe to swim in this weekend?
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Beach waters are tested wekly
In 1998, five of Florida's coastal counties began monitoring for enterococci bacteria under a grant-funded pilot program. By the beginning of 2000 it expanded to 11 Florida counties. By the fall of 2000, program was extended to 34 of Florida's coastal counties through state legislation and funding. In addition, sampling under the new program now includes fecal coliform as well as enterococci bacteria. In August 2002, the beach water sampling program began collecting water samples on a weekly basis.
Fecal coliform and enterococci are both enteric bacteria that normally exist in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of this type of bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, wildlife, pets and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are swallowed while swimming or enter the blood stream through a cut, it can cause infections and rashes.
Here locally there was a Pinellas County Saltwater Advisory put out for all of the Courtney Campbell Beach area in Pinellas County Florida. This is important as it is a very popular area for both humans and pets. In addition it is going to be VERY crowded with swimmers in that area due to the 4th of July falling on a weekend.
The Pinellas County Health Department has issued this advisory for the Courtney Campbell Beach in Pinellas County, based on the EPA’s recommended marine water bacterial indicator for fecal coliform. This area should be considered a potential health risk to swimmers. Humans and pets should stay out of the water.
According to the report, the waters of Courtney Campbell Beach were sampled June 29, 2009 and again on July 1, 2009. The water will be re-sampled next week, with results expected at the end of the week. THAT means there should be no swimming in those waters until next week. That includes 4th of July weekend. Sorry folks!
Luckily there are many other beaches that are safe, Take a look at the following link to see if your Florida beach is safe to swim in this weekend! Florida Healthy Beach Program
Healthy Blessings,
Tracy Lynn
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