ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Water quality concerns persist as the city of Bradenton continues to discharge partially-treated sewage into the Manatee River.
During and immediately after Tropical Storm Debby in early August, the city discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of untreated and partially-treated sewage and wastewater into the Manatee River. According to reports posted at the city’s website, the sewage discharge remained ongoing as of Sept. 6, with more than 1,000 gallons per day being discharged into the river.
During and after the storm, which became a hurricane after it passed the Island, the city of Sarasota discharged an estimated 18 million gallons of sewage and wastewater into Sarasota Bay.
On Sept. 6, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) issued water quality advisories for Bayfront Park in Anna Maria and south Palma Sola Bay in west Bradenton. According to the advisory, tests on Sept. 3 and Sept. 5 indicated the water quality did not meet recreational water quality criteria for enterococcus (fecal) bacteria recommended by FDOH, which “advises against any water-related activities at these locations due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.”
After Debby, Mote Marine Laboratory scientists recorded a significant spike in Sarasota Bay concentrations of nitrate and ammonia, which can serve as an increased source of nutrients for aquatic bacteria and algae such as red tide.
Red tide was observed at background concentrations in one sample from Manatee County, at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported on Sept. 6.
