BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Beach Advisory is now in effect for Spanish River Park Beach and South Inlet Beach due to high levels of bacteria. The Florida Department of Health issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday:
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) of Palm Beach County conducts regular beach water quality sampling and has posted a Health Advisory for Spanish River Park Beach and South Inlet Beach in Boca Raton. A recent sampling showed elevated bacterial levels in the water. As a precaution, swimming at both locations is prohibited until further notice.
FDOH found sample levels to be greater than 150 colonies per 100 millimeters of marine water putting both beaches in the “poor range,” which indicates a potential health risk to the bathing public.
For the safety of our residents and visitors, swimming is prohibited until further notice; however, the park and beach will remain open. Additional water samples will be taken and it is hoped that full use of the beach may resume within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The cause of the elevated level of bacteria that prompted the advisory is unknown, but the cause is generally associated with storm water runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage. Advisory signs and red flags will be posted at beach entrances indicating “NO SWIMMING” until water quality is satisfactory.
For more information, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County at 561-837-5988.