The Hillsborough County Health Department issued a health advisory Friday for Davis Island Beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public. Samples taken Wednesday were above threshold for enterococci bacteria. The beach is scheduled to be re-sampled, Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.
Water quality categorizations are based on the EPA’s standard for enterococci is that beaches with a beach action value of 70.5 or higher are given an advisory.
Water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.
