Florida issues alert about bacteria at seven Palm Beach County beaches

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued water quality advisories for seven popular beaches due to high levels of enterococcus bacteria.

The alert affects the following beaches:

• Carlin Park in Jupiter
• Riviera Beach in Riviera Beach 
• Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach
• Lake Worth – Kreusler in Lake Worth
• Ocean Inlet Park in Ocean Ridge
• Sandoway-Delray Beach in Delray Beach 
• Spanish River Park in Boca Raton

Officials said testing was conducted on March 25 and results indicated that water quality at all seven beaches did not meet recreational water quality criteria for enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

“The agency advises against any water-related activities in these locations due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers,” the alert states, adding that advisories will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.

Enterococcus bacteria cause important clinical infections, including urinary tract infection, bacteremia, endocarditis, diverticulitis, and meningitis.