RUSKIN, Fla. — We may have year-round beach weather here in the Tampa Bay area, but it's still a good idea to check on the water quality before you leave the house.
Hillsborough County health officials issued an advisory on Friday for Bahia Beach in Ruskin due to high levels of bacteria in the water. Swimming is not recommended until re-sampling indicates the water is within the safe range.
The water samples are being analyzed for enterococci bacteria, which is an indication of fecal pollution. According to the health department, enterococci bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and may cause 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," the health advisory reads.
You can check out the water quality levels for our different local beaches on the Florida Healthy Beaches Program page.
It's been less than a month since the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County last issued a health advisory for Bahia Beach on Sept. 29.
