High bacteria levels prompt water advisories at beaches
By Times Staff Writer
Published August 15, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY - Water advisories have been issued for the Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey, Brasher Park Beach in Port Richey and Gulf Harbors Beach in New Port Richey after health officials found high levels of enteric bacteria in the water. The bacteria are an indication of fecal pollution, which could come from stormwater runoff, animal waste or human sewage, according to the Pasco County Health Department. Similar warnings remain in effect for Oelsner Park Beach in Port Richey and Robert J. Strickland Beach in Hudson. The beaches remain open, but officials say the water could pose "a potential health risk to the bathing public."
