PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a water-quality health advisory on Tuesday, warning of potential fecal pollution.
Specifically, the advisory applies to the whole of the county — including its beaches — and Dubois Park in Jupiter.
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According to the FDOH, tests on Monday showed that the water in these locations was contaminated with Enterococcus bacteria.
The EPA explains that such bacteria are usually found in the intestines of many warm-blooded animals like humans, so they can indicate fecal contamination in streams and rivers.
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This can cause swimmers and others who use affected waterways to get sick, as well as risk skin, eyes, ears or respiratory diseases, experts say.
While the FDOH doesn’t state the cause of the contamination, the EPA lists several possible reasons for fecal pollution, such as:
- Wastewater treatment plant effluent
- Leaking septic systems
- Stormwater runoff
- Sewage dumped by boaters
- Runoff from manure storage areas
- Wildlife waste
Regardless of the cause, beachgoers and swimmers are advised against going into the water in these areas, as the level of bacteria exceeds state limits.
The FDOH announced that the advisory will continue until bacteria levels are back in an acceptable range.
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