Health Advisory Issued for Roger's Park in Spring Hill Over Bacteria in Water
DOH-Hernando says water samples taken Sept. 1 showed fecal coliform bacteria above state limits at Roger's Park, and is warning residents to stay out of the water until further notice.
The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County has issued a water quality health advisory for Roger's Park in Spring Hill, warning residents to avoid all water-related activities there after a bacteria test came back above state safety limits.
Water samples collected at the park, located at 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., on Tuesday, Sept. 1, showed levels of fecal coliform bacteria that exceed Florida's recreational water quality standards, according to DOH-Hernando. The department issued the advisory on Sept. 9, telling swimmers the water carries an increased risk of illness right now.
Roger's Park sits along the Gulf and is a regular stop for Spring Hill families looking to cool off, fish, or launch a kayak. This advisory covers water contact specifically, not the park's grounds, but anyone planning a trip there this week should plan to stay dry.
What to know: DOH-Hernando advises against swimming, wading, or any other water-related activity at Roger's Park until follow-up testing shows bacteria levels have dropped back below the state's health threshold. No timeline has been given for when that will happen.
Fecal coliform bacteria can come from a range of sources, including stormwater runoff, wildlife, and failing septic systems, and elevated levels can raise the risk of gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and other health problems for people who swim in affected water. The health department routinely samples recreational waters around the county and issues advisories like this one whenever a test result comes back out of compliance.
The advisory will stay in place until new samples show the bacteria count has dropped back within accepted limits. DOH-Hernando has not said when the next round of testing will happen or given an estimate for when the park's water might reopen for swimming.
Residents with questions, or who want an update on the park's status, can call DOH-Hernando directly at 352-540-6812.
For more from the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County, visit the department's official website.
Stay with Hernando County Community Website at hernandocommunity.com for updates on this advisory and other local news, and follow us on Facebook for quick alerts. Got thoughts on this or noticed something at Roger's Park yourself? Join the conversation in our Community Forum. You can also find more public safety stories and community updates from around Hernando County.
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