Water quality meets standards at seven sites

All precautionary notices have been lifted related to contact with the water in northern Boca Ciega Bay and Long Bayou following the sewer leak that was stopped Tuesday on 62nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has confirmed today that water samples from seven locations submitted by Pinellas County have met water quality standards.

Citizens are still advised to refrain from any recreational activities that would put them in contact with the water in Joe’s Creek and Cross Bayou. Signs have been posted at boat launches and other similar facilities to alert citizens.

Pinellas County water quality officials continue to collect water samples from these areas to submit to DEP for evaluation. When the DEP indicates samples in these locations meet water quality standards for two consecutive days, the public will be notified, sampling will conclude and any further advisories will be lifted. The next sampling results are expected early next week.

The sewer leak was first reported Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11:30 p.m. in a line at 7780 62nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Crews stopped the leak at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.