Local News
Swim advisories out for lakes Tulane and Verona
Highlands Today
Published: December 12, 2012
A swim advisory has been issued for Lake Tulane and Lake Verona based upon criteria for fecal indicator bacteria.Published: December 12, 2012
This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended, states a news release from the Highlands County Health Department .
Samples taken on Dec. 3 were above the threshold for fecal indicator bacteria. When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted, the release adds.
Water quality categorizations are based on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's recommended standard for fecal coliform of no more than 800 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of water.
The Highlands County Health Department monitors monthly water samples submitted by public bathing places during their operation season.
The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (fecal coliform) that normally inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections or rashes.
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage.
Sampling is also done at marine beaches and results can be found at Department of Health's Internet Beach Water Quality website: www.floridashealth.com/beachwater
For additional information, call the Highlands County Health Department – Environmental Health at (863) 382-7219.