Water quality advisory issued for Lowdermilk Beach in Collier County

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has issued a water quality advisory at Lowdermilk Beach due to unhealthy bacteria levels in the water.

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 the water, it typically means there's been some level of fecal contamination.

The contamination could have come from stormwater runoff, a sewage issue, pet waste or wildlife like birds. At low levels, enterococcus bacteria is 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.

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.