Swimming alert: Fecal bacteria risk at Crandon Park North in Key Biscayne
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the health department warned swimmers Thursday to stay out of the water at Crandon Park North in Key Biscayne because bacteria may indicate fecal pollution.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade issued the advisory after a sampling showed the water didn’t meet the state’s recommended recreational quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria, according to a statement.
“Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals,” the Florida Department of Health said on its website. “The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”
Swimmers face an increased risk of illness at Crandon Park North, the statement said. The advisory will continue until bacteria levels drop to accepted health standards.
If the bacteria is present in high concentrations, the water can cause disease, infections or rashes when ingested or when it enters through a cut or sore, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Water quality reports showed Miami-Dade’s recreational waters have become hotspots for harmful bacteria. Two out of the three Florida beaches where over 60% of samples contained high levels of bacteria were in Miami-Dade County — Park View Kayak Launch in Miami Beach and Margaret Pace Park on Biscayne Bay, according to a report by Surfrider Foundation.
Water test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches. For more information, call 305-324-2400 or visit MiamiDade.FloridaHealth.gov.
