Tests Show Certain Areas of Manatee River Unsafe for Swimming after Raw Sewage Release

BRADENTON -- At 4:30 PM on June 15th, 2011 (thirteen (13) hours after the sewage leak was stopped), ten (10) water quality samples were taken in the Manatee River.  The samples were taken from 600 feet upstream to 2000 feet downstream of the sewage discharge.  Four of the ten (40%) samples came back within the limits for safe swimming (in the vicinity of 10St W and westward).   Six of the ten (60%) samples suggested the water may be unsafe for swimming.  Two of the ten samples (20%) exceed the state surface water quality standards for Class I waters.  These occurred within 300 feet of the sewage discharge point.

Listed below are the results of this first water quality sampling event in Manatee River.  Samples were tested for Fecal Coliforms.  The state standard for Fecal Coliforms in Class I water bodies is 800 or less for a single day sample.  A Fecal Coliform count over 200 indicates the water may be unsafe for swimming.

The City is continuing to sample the river at these locations on a daily basis and will continue to issue water quality results until all samples meet state standards.

Location	Distance from Source	Fecal Coliforms count (4:30 PM on 06/15/2011)	Comments
200 feet east of railroad bridge (5th St W)	600 feet east	200	May be unsafe for swimming
100 feet west of railroad bridge (6th St W)	300 feet east	1800	May be unsafe for swimming; exceeds state standards
At sewage discharge point (7th St W)		1600	May be unsafe for swimming; exceeds state standards
300 feet east of Green bridge (8th St W)	300 feet west	800	May be unsafe for swimming
East side of Green bridge (9th St W)	600 feet west	700	May be unsafe for swimming
West side of Green bridge (9th St W)	800 feet west	200	May be unsafe for swimming
Inside Twin Dolphin Marina (10th St W)	1100 feet west	100
At end of Bradenton Memorial Pier (12 St W)	1400 feet west	Below detection limit of 100
In front of Central Library (13th St W)	1700 feet west	100
15th St W	2000 feet west	Below detection limit of 100