MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. ( WWSB ) - The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued a water quality advisory for Palma Sola South, the east end of the Palma Sola Causeway.

Tests on Aug. 25 and Aug. 27 showed that the level of Enterococcus bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.

The health department advises against any water-related activities there due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterococci are bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and therefore indicate possible contamination of surface waters by fecal waste. Sources include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff or sewage discharge.

Their presence

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