Naples, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has posted a HEALTH ADVISORY for Naples Pier Beach after recent sampling showed bacteria levels in the water to be greater than 71 colonies per 100 milliliters of marine water, putting this beach in the poor range.

Causes of the elevated level that prompted the advisory are unknown, but are generally associated with wildlife, heavy recreational usage, runoff following heavy rains, and high surf from high winds and high tides.  DOH-Collier always encourages rinsing with fresh water after swimming in any natural body of water, and avoid swallowing any water while swimming.

 DOH-Collier staff sample 12 points from Marco Island to Barefoot Beach and test for Enterococci bacteria, as recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the EPA.  Samples are laboratory tested for concentrations and a value assigned to indicate poor, moderate, or good ranges.

United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended criteria for enterococci is:

Good = 0-35 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

Moderate = 36-70 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

Poor = 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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