Health advisories were issued Thursday for two Hillborough County beaches, extended for one and lifted for one based on criteria for bacteria levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Samples taken Monday were above thresholds for enterococci bacteria at Cypress Point Beach, Bahia Beach and Picnic Island, according to the Hillsborough County Health Department. A similar advisory was issued for Picnic Island on Jan. 27.

An advisory issued on Jan. 27 for Ben T. Davis beach was lifted Thursday.

The beaches under advisories should be considered unsafe for swimming, the department said.

The health department has been conducting coastal quality monitoring at nine sites once every two weeks since August 2000 and weekly since August 2002 through the states Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

Enterococci bacteria is typically found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals and may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. It is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage, the department said.

For more information, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.

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Health advisories in place for 3 Hillsborough beaches, lifted for 1