Health department lifts bacterial contamination advisory on Singer Island in Riviera Beach

August 4, 2026 - 02:06

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has officially lifted the bacterial contamination advisory for Park Avenue on Singer Island in Riviera Beach. The advisory was removed after follow-up water tests showed that bacteria levels had dropped back to acceptable ranges for swimming and other water activities.

The health department had issued the warning earlier this week after routine sampling detected elevated levels of enterococci bacteria in the water. That bacteria is often linked to fecal matter and can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, or ear and eye infections if swimmers come into contact with it. The advisory covered the shoreline area near Park Avenue, a popular spot for residents and visitors.

Once the elevated readings came in, the department posted warning signs along the beach and urged the public to avoid wading, swimming, or surfing until conditions improved. Officials also recommended that people rinse off after any accidental contact with the water and wash their hands before eating.

The latest round of testing, conducted by the department's environmental health team, showed that bacteria levels had fallen well below the threshold that triggers a health advisory. With the results now clear, the signs have been removed and the beach is fully open again.

Health officials say they will continue routine monitoring of all public beaches in Palm Beach County. They also remind beachgoers that water quality can change quickly after heavy rain, which often washes runoff into the ocean and can temporarily raise bacteria counts. Anyone with questions about current beach conditions can contact the local health department office.