Residents and visitors of Hillsborough County are being advised to avoid swimming and other water activities at Bahia Beach due to a recent spike in bacteria levels. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a health advisory on Thursday after water samples taken on June 3 showed that the beach failed to meet the recommended recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria.
Health and Safety Concerns
The advisory, which affects Bahia Beach located at 2513 W Shell Point Road in Ruskin, was put in place after routine water quality monitoring detected bacterial counts exceeding state guidelines. Health officials warn that contact with the contaminated water could increase the risk of illness.
The advisory will remain in effect until further testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe and acceptable standards. The public is encouraged to stay informed about the latest water quality results by visiting FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, individuals can contact the health department at 813-559-4065 or visit their website at Hillsborough.FloridaHealth.gov.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
