Bacteria Samples Found In South Beach, Key Biscayne
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- A swimming advisory has been posted on Miami Beach and Key Biscayne after water samples tested high for bacteria.
Samples collected at Ocean Drive & South Pointe Drive in Miami Beach, as well as Crandon North Beach in Key Biscayne did not meet the recreational water quality standard for the bacteria enterococci.
These samples exceeded the Federal and State recommended standard, which is greater than 70 colony forming units of enterococci per 100ml for a single sample.
"The prevalence of enteric bacteria is an indicator of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage," the Florida Dept. of Health said in a released statement.
The advisory recommends not swimming at these locations, indicating water contact may pose an increased risk of illness.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has been conducting marine beach water quality monitoring at 17 sites since August 2002, through the Florida Healthy Beaches Program.
For more information, visit the Florida Healthy Beaches Program Website: http://www.flhealth.gov and Select "Beach Water Quality" from the Environmental Health Topics List.