Rick Patrick
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Friday, July 29, the Florida Department of Health issued a statement that the precautionary health advisory for the Withlacoochee River had been lifted. This decision was based on results of water sample testing performed on Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28, at three different locations along the river. At all three locations: Ga. State Road 31/Fla. 145, County Road 150 and Fla. State Road 6, both FCOLI and ECOLI bacteria levels showed a significant decrease in bacterial contaminants. Recent heavy rainfall is suspected to have caused an increase in bacterial levels in the river, prompting the Florida Department of Health to issue a precautionary health advisory. The Florida Department of Health will continue to monitor the river for any further updates.