MIAMI, June 26 (UPI) -- The Miami-Dade Health Department told swimmers to stay out of the water at 12 Miami-area beaches this week because of high levels of bacteria.
Health officials said water samples are analyzed weekly for fecal coliform and enterococci that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and may cause human disease, infections or illness.
Fecal pollution may come from storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage, the agency said Wednesday in a release.
Two consecutive samples taken at each of the 12 beaches exceeded the state's recommended standard for fecal coliform of 400 colony-forming units per 100 ml of marine water.
The no-swim advisories were issued at Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach Pier Park, Oleta Park-Swimming Area, Haulover Beach Park, 93rd Street in Surfside, 74th Street Beach, 53rd Street Beach, 21st Street Beach, South Pointe Park, Hobie/Dog Beach, Crandon Park Beach and Matheson Hammock.
