Swimming Advisory Issued For Bahia Beach Due To Fecal Bacteria

RUSKIN, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough has issued a swim advisory for for Bahia Beach in Ruskin after tests showed water was above the acceptable threshold for fecal bacteria.

The bacteria presents a risk to those swimming in the waters at the beach.

Advisories for Ben T. Davis and Davis Island beaches in Tampa have been lifted.

Water samples are analyzed weekly for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections or rashes.

The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.