SARASOTA, Fla. — Health officials in Sarasota County issued a health advisory after untreated sewage was spilled into Sarasota Bay on December 22, 2018. As of December 26, 2018, that advisory has been lifted.
The spill entered the bay near Centennial Park, the Florida Department of Health says. The City of Sarasota utility department reported the spill, though it was not immediately known exactly how it happened.
Water samples taken by the City of Sarasota indicate the bay water in the vicinity of Centennial Park meets surface water quality standards ensuring the public may resume water-related activities.
Water contaminated with wastewater overflow presents several health risks to humans. Untreated human sewage with microbes could cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.
For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, Floridians are encouraged to contact DOH-Sarasota at 941-861-6133. For information about DOH-Sarasota, go to www.sarasotahealth.org
