No Swimming Advisory Issued For North Shores Beach

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A no swimming advisory has issued for the North Shores Beach area of Miami Beach.

Two consecutive water samples taken from the waters off 73rd Street and Collins Avenue showed higher than acceptable levels of enterococci. The results of the sampling indicate that water contact may pose an increased risk of illness, particularly for susceptible individuals.

Enteric bacteria, enterococci, is normally found in animal and human intestinal tracks. Higher concentrations in the water indicate fecal pollution which may cause infections and illness.  The fecal pollution comes from storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage.

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has been conducting marine beach water quality monitoring at 17 sites, including North Shores Beach, weekly since August 2002, through the Florida Healthy Beaches Program.