Health Advisory for the North Fork of the St Lucie

Health Advisory for the North Fork of the St Lucie

1. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) has issued a swimming advisory for the following river locations:

Ø    River Park Marina-North Fork of the St. Lucie River

Ø   Veterans Park-North Fork of the St. Lucie River

The sample results found higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time.

Enteric bacteria inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and their presence in recreational waters is an indication of fecal pollution.  The bacteria may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.

DOH-St. Lucie will continue the advisory until results are satisfactory.  Samples were collected Monday August 5, 2019 and confirmation samples on Wednesday August 7, 2019. Sampling is scheduled for Monday August 19, 2019 and the results will be available Thursday August 22, 2019.

For results of St. Lucie County river samples, visit the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County website at: https://stlucie.floridahealth.gov/ click on Environmental Health, then select North Fork Bacteria Testing, then select North Fork-St. Lucie River Sample Results.

For more information, please contact the environmental health division at 772-873-4931.