Sixteen Palm Beach County swimming spots, including three in Boca Raton, are now under a water quality advisory after state health officials found elevated bacteria levels in samples taken Monday, Oct. 26.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County said water from South Inlet Park, Red Reef Park and Spanish River failed to meet the state’s recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria. Samples from beaches stretching north through Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lantana, Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Jupiter and Tequesta also came back above the limit.
The department is telling people not to swim or take part in other water activities at the affected sites because of an increased risk of illness. The readings came from routine monitoring. The advisory stays in place until bacteria levels drop below the state health standard.
Current test results are posted at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches. Residents with questions can call DOH-Palm Beach at 561-671-4013 or visit PalmBeach.FloridaHealth.gov.