|
Health Department Issues Advisory for Bowman's Beach
Sep 27, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: September 27, 2007 Contact: Environmental Engineering Dept., (239) 274-2200 BEACH ADVISORY Health Department Issues Advisory for Sanibel Bowman's Beach Tests completed on September 27, 2007, indicate that the beach water quality at Sanibel's Bowman's Beach may not meet the criteria for enterococcus bacteria recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. • We recommend not swimming at Bowman's Beach. • Test results from other popular beaches in Lee County are satisfactory. Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of enterococcus is an indicator of pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, or sewage. Enterococcus bacteria concentration has been correlated with swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain). For perspective, a gastroenteritis illness rate between 2% - 4% is possible with an elevated enterococcus concentration. This means that 2 - 4 swimmers per 100 swimmers might get a gastroenteritis illness. When the enterococcus concentration meets EPA's recommended criteria, the gastroenteritis illness rate is expected to be less than 2%, and is considered acceptable. This advisory may be a short-term event due to recent rains. New test results should be available by 3:30 PM on Tuesday, October 2. For more information, please view our internet website at www.doh.state.fl.us and select Beach Water Quality from the pull down menu, or contact the Lee County Health Department, Environmental Engineering at (239) 274-2200. Michael Barnaby Public Information Office (239) 332-9527 Lee County Health Department Visit Us Online at http://www.lee-county.com/healthdept
|