No swim advisory lifted for Palma Sola Bay after bacteria found in water, health dept. says
Update: The No Swim Advisory was lifted Thursday, April 14, and “bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels, and the public can once again recreate in the waters.”
The state health department has issued a No Swim Advisory in Palma Sola Bay because of “an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans.”
Everyone should avoid contact with the water of Palma Sola Bay south of State Road 64, the Florida Department of Health said Friday afternoon. The road is a main thoroughfare to Anna Maria Island beaches, with recreation areas between the road and water.
Health officials found that samples of water taken March 28 and 30 contained enterococci bacteria, which indicates the presence of fecal material in the water.
That bacteria “may cause human disease, infections or rashes,” the health department said. Fish and shellfish harvested from contaminated water can also cause illness, the EPA says.
The EPA says sources of enterococci can include:
- wastewater treatment plant effluent
- leaking septic systems
- stormwater runoff
- sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats
- domestic animal and wildlife waste
- improper land application of manure or sewage
- runoff from manure storage areas, pastures, rangelands and feedlots.
“There are also natural, non-fecal sources of fecal indicator bacteria, including plants, sand, soil and sediments,” the EPA says.
The Palma Sola advisory will remain in effect until samples meet guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
This story was originally published April 1, 2022 at 5:32 PM.