STUART, FL (WFLX)--Health officials are expected to run additional tests on Martin County waters as residents and visitors are told to stay out of the water.
Tests have revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. It can come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage, causing stomach problems, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rash in those who come in contact with it.
Water samples are being taken at Sandsprit Park, at the Stuart Sandbar, near the Roosevelt Bridge and at Leighton Park in Palm City. Those areas all remain under the advisory.
Blue-green algae has also been a problem in recent weeks as residents have been told to avoid the St. Lucie River from the Okeechobee Canal to the St. Lucie Inlet. The bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to people and pets. Over the weekend, protestors called for government officials to address the problem immediately.
Advisories will remain in place until results show consistent readings in what the health department considers the "good" range. Sample results can be found
at this link: http://bit.ly/1b6oZWV
If you see blue-green algae, you are asked to contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 772-467-5572. Abnormal fish behavior can be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-800-636-0511.
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