Boca Ratons beaches are again open to swimmers after the county lifted a health advisory because of high bacteria levels. <\/p>\n
The city said water test results from the citys beaches showed that the bacteria levels waned, prompting the state Department of Health of Palm Beach County to lift an advisory from Spanish River Park and South Inlet Park. <\/p>\n
Water samples from the two parks previously showed high levels of enterococci bacteria, which is known to cause infections and rashes. <\/p>\n
Prior readings came in at 80 parts per 100 milliliters at Spanish River Park and 190 parts per 100 milliliters at South Inlet Park. Measures more than 70 parts per million are considered Poor. <\/p>\n
In a news release, the city said tests taken Wednesday showed levels at 10 parts per million, putting the readings in the Good category. <\/p>\n
High amounts can be caused by runoff after heavy rains, high surf, wildlife and heavy pedestrian use. Temporary spikes in levels are rare and the cause of the increase in Boca is unknown, the health departments spokesman Tim OConnor said. <\/p>\n
When you see continuous high levels of bacteria, then thats something that indicates there is something serious going on, OConnor said. For the most part, this is naturally occurring. <\/p>\n
The department conducts testing of ocean water every two weeks within the county at 13 sample sites from Boca to Jupiter. In March, Delray Beach and Ocean Ridge also saw a similar spike following heavy rains that led to beach closures. <\/p>\n
The health department said beach-goers can take precautions by showering with fresh water after swimming in any natural body of water. Residents can also find more information on water quality at beaches on the departments website. <\/p>\n
achokey@sun-sentinel.com<\/a>, 561-243-6531, Twitter: @aric_chokey <\/p>\n Visit our Boca Raton community page at facebook.com\/SunSentinelBocaRaton. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Link: <\/p>\n Swimming ban lifted at Boca beaches - Sun Sentinel<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Boca Ratons beaches are again open to swimmers after the county lifted a health advisory because of high bacteria levels. The city said water test results from the citys beaches showed that the bacteria levels waned, prompting the state Department of Health of Palm Beach County to lift an advisory from Spanish River Park and South Inlet Park. Continue reading