Health advisories were issued Wednesday at four Hillborough County beaches based on criteria for bacteria levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Samples taken this week were above thresholds for enterococci bacteria for the water at Ben T. Davis, Davis Islands, Picnic Island and Simmons Park beaches.

The beaches under advisories should be considered unsafe for swimming, the countys health department said.

The beaches will be sampled again this Monday. When sampling indicates the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisories will be lifted.

The health department has been conducting coastal quality monitoring at nine sites once every two weeks since August 2000 and weekly since August 2002 through the states Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

Enterococci bacteria is typically found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals and may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. It is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage, the health department said.

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Health advisories issued at four Hillsborough beaches