No Swim Advisory Issued for Manatee River Following Sewage Leak

A "no swim advisory" has been issued for the Manatee River due to a sewage leak that has contaminated the waterways. The advisory, announced by Suncoast Waterkeepers, comes after multiple tests revealed unsafe levels of bacteria in the water.

The contamination poses a significant risk to public health, prompting authorities to urge residents and visitors to avoid swimming or engaging in any water-related activities in the affected areas. In addition to the sewage leak, high levels of decomposing seagrass have been detected at the Longboat Key Boat Ramp, further exacerbating concerns over water quality.

As a precautionary measure, DeSoto National Memorial Park has canceled all water-related activities until the advisory is lifted. This includes swimming, kayaking, and other recreational water sports that could expose individuals to contaminated water.

Suncoast Waterkeepers and other environmental agencies are closely monitoring the situation. They will continue to conduct tests to assess water quality and determine when it will be safe to lift the advisory.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and to follow all guidelines issued by local authorities to ensure their safety.