FDOH issues water advisory for St. Lucie River in Martin County for high bacteria
Tyler TreadwayA water advisory has been issued for Leighton Park on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River in Palm City because of an unacceptably high bacteria count.
People should avoid contact with the water, which can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes if touched or ingested, according to the Florida Department of Health office in Martin County.
A “poor” bacteria-level ranking is 71 or more enterococcus per 100 milliliters of water. The river at Leighbon Park had 75 in a water sample taken Sept. 8.
How's the water? Florida beach bacteria counts | Map
The warning will remain in effect until a series of results are consistently satisfactory. A followup water sample was taken Monday, and results should be available by Thursday.
Enteric bacteria, a sign of fecal pollution, inhabit the intestinal tract of people and animals. The bacteria's presence in the water typically comes from pets, wildlife, livestock, human sewage and stormwater runoff, especially after heavy rains.
Tyler Treadway is an environment reporter who specializes in issues facing the Indian River Lagoon. Support his work on TCPalm.com. Contact him at 772-221-4219 and tyler.treadway@tcpalm.com.