Fecal pollution puts Tampa area beaches under ‘health advisory’

The advisory was issued based on the amount of enterococci bacteria discovered.

TAMPA — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a health advisory for Simmons Park and Cypress Point beaches based on the amount of enterococci bacteria found.

The EPA advises it could be a potential risk to the bathing public after samples were taken Wednesday.

Enterococci bacteria are an indication of fecal pollution, which could be from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, and human sewage, the EPA adds.

The beach will be re-sampled Wednesday, July 17. If the amount is within a satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.

The reports are based on the standard that beaches with a value of 70.5 or higher should be given an advisory.