The advisory to avoid contact with the waters near the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart and Leighton Park in Palm City has ended following a series of samples in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria. The advisory had been in effect for the Roosevelt Bridge area since June and the Leighton Park area since January.
Enteric bacteria inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and their presence in recreational waters is an indicator of fecal pollution. The presence of these bacteria may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County samples (4) river sites weekly for enteric bacteria including Leighton Park, the Roosevelt Bridge, Sandsprit Park in Stuart and the Stuart Sandbar. In addition, ocean beaches and the Indian River Lagoon causeways are sampled every other week.
River and beach water sample results can be accessed here:
https://martin.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/beach-and-river-sampling/results/index.html
