Water advisory lifted at Lowdermilk Beach in Collier County

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has lifted its water quality advisory following a recent assessment that found an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines at Lowdermilk Beach.

On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County lifted the advisory. 

Provided below is our previous coverage of the water advisory issued at Lowdermilk Beach on Wednesday. 

---

 

The beach is located south of Naples Beach and the pier and north of the city's beach club. Visitors should stay out of the water because of fecal contamination.

Health officials tested the water and found high levels of enterococcus bacteria. This type of bacteria lives in the intestines of humans and animals, so when it shows up in water, it typically indicates some level of fecal contamination.

The contamination could have come from stormwater runoff, a sewage issue, pet waste, or wildlife, such as birds. At low levels, enterococcus bacteria are not usually a big issue, but right now those levels are higher than what the state considers safe.

If people go in the water, there's a higher risk of getting sick. Potential health issues include stomach problems, skin irritation, and infections.

Despite posted warnings, some beachgoers appear to be unaware of the advisory. Signs have been placed in the area, though they may not be immediately noticeable to visitors.

Nearby resident Jane Hilk expressed concern about the situation, saying, “You want it to be clean. It’s just yucky to think that you can get sick from swimming in the ocean.”

The sand and beach itself remain open, but officials are asking people to hold off on swimming until bacteria levels come back down. Health officials will continue testing the water, and once it's safe again, the advisory will be lifted.