Beach advisory issued for Courtney Campbell Causeway | Environment

Clearwater, Florida -- On Friday, Dec. 28, the Pinellas County Health Department issued an advisory for the water at the City of Clearwater Courtney Campbell Causeway beach based on the marine water bacterial indicator recommended by the EPA.

This area should be considered a potential health risk to swimmers.

The Pinellas County Health Department conducts saltwater beach testing through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, and which may cause human disease, infections or rashes.

The health department says the presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water run-off, pets, wildlife and sewage.

Water testing results from tests conducted on Dec. 26 are as follows:

ENTEROCOCCI - CFU per 100 ml* - 140

ENTEROCOCCI - Water Quality* - Poor

The next sampling at will be conducted on Jan. 7, 2013.

For more information about the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, visit floridashealth.com  - click on the "Floridians and Visitors" icon, then scroll to the "Food, Water, Air, Land" section and select "Beach Water Quality."

For information about the Pinellas County Health Department, including its locations, go to www.PinellasHealth.com.