UPDATED - NO SWIM ADVISORY LIFTED - No Swim Advisory issued for Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, FL
Graphic courtesy of DOH-Citrus.
On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) removed its "No Swm Advisory" for Fort Isladn Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida (initiated last week due to higher than acceptible levels of enterococcus bacteria in water samples taken on August 8 in the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Testing on August 14 showed acceptable levels of bacteria.
Florida Department of Health in Citrus County, Florida (DOH-Citrus)According to the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County, Florida (DOH-Citrus), water samples taken from Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida on August 8, 2023, were considered "poor" quality due to contamination with enterococcus bacteria - fecal or intestinal tract bacteria that can come from sources such as stormwater runoff, wildlife, pets, or human sewage. The water was tested through the weekly saltwater beach water quality testing through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program .
As a result, a No Swim Advisory was issued for Fort Island Gulf Beach. The public should avoid swimming in the waters at Fort Island Gulf Beach until further notice by DOH-Citrus.
Elevated levels of this pathogen poses a risk of health issues, such as infections, for those who come into contact with the contaminated water.