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Monterey Municipal Beach advisory issued due to high bacteria count
January 7, 2011
An advisory was posted by the Monterey County Health Department on Friday recommending against recreational water contact at Monterey Municipal Beach due to high levels of the bacterium enterococcus.
In routine testing on a sample pulled on Thursday, the bacterium was detected at 166 part per million, in excess of the state's recommended maximum concentration, which is 104 ppm. Samples are taken monthly from November through March, and weekly during the rest of the year.
Higher levels of this bacteria have been associated with the increased potential risk of illness, including urinary tract infections and intestinal inflammation.
The source of the elevated bacteria count was still unknown on Friday afternoon, according to a spokesperson from the Environmental Health Bureau. Rainfall can be associated with increased bacterial levels due to runoff.
The affected area stretches from the wharf north to Park Avenue in Monterey. The advisory will remain in effect until follow-up samples indicate that bacteria levels comply with state guidelines.
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