Jetty Park surf tests 'poor' for bacteria, but now within safe level

The surf at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral tested "poor" this week, but a follow-up test came back Friday within safe levels for swimming.

The bacteria level wasn't bad long enough for health officials to post a formal swimming advisory, which requires a confirmation sample before posting. 

The initial "poor" sample of enterococcus bacteria came on Monday.

Enterococcus bacteria live in the gut of humans and other animals. Its presence can indicate other, more dangerous bacteria in the water.

Health officials measure the number of colony-forming units (CFU) of enterococcus per 100 milliliters of water sample. A sample is "good," if 35 or less CFUs. A "moderate" level is 36-70 CFUs and "poor" is 71 or greater CFUs.

Jetty Park measured at 238 CFUs, but a follow up water sample at the same location turned up only 20 CFUs.

"It's passed," Director for Environmental Health Cindy Leckey said. 

Health officials test the water at eight Brevard beaches every other week during warmer months of the year, beginning in March. 

Health officials retest if they get a "poor" result.

An advisory means that contact with the water may increase risk of skin, ear, eye, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Swimmers can get sick by swallowing, breathing in mists or contact with contaminated water.

Waymer is environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Waymer at 321-242-3663

or jwaymer@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @jwayenviro

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