Samples taken on Aug. 18 show acceptable levels of bacteria for which state tests
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) lifted its water quality advisory for North Lido Beach in Sarasota, which is located at 50 Benjamin Franklin Drive.
Tests completed on Monday, Aug. 17, “indicate that the water quality at North Lido Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines,” the advisory explained.
The test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches, the advisory noted. (As of 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 18, The Sarasota News Leader did not find the latest results on that webpage.)
The Aug. 14 results showed that the level of Enterococcus bacteria was 70.5 or greater per 100 milliliters of marine water. The Health Department classifies “Good” water quality as having 0 to 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water. A “Poor” classification means the level is 71 enterococci or higher per 100 milliliters of marine water.
The Florida Department of Health explains, “Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and ingested or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause disease, infections, or rashes.”
The department adds that its statewide program tests for enterococci because of “a greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms and are less likely to ‘die off’ in saltwater.”
For more information, call 941-861-2900 or visit Sarasota.FloridaHealth.gov.