MARION COUNTY, July 22 – The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department has temporarily closed the swimming, diving and tubing area at KP Hole in Dunnellon (9435 SW 190th Ave. Road) due to poor water quality.

The Marion County Health Department recommended this action today as a proactive measure. Canoeing, kayaking and boating remain open at the KP Hole.

As part of a public service, health department officials monitor the water quality of public swimming areas each week during the summer. Recent water samples taken at all Rainbow River swimming areas revealed higher than normal amounts of fecal enterococci, a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department also tests the water quality on a monthly basis as part of its permitting requirements.

Officials from the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department and Marion County Health Department are working together and will re-test the water. Once the water quality improves and the bacteria levels return to normal, the KP Hole will re-open. That could happen as early as Friday, according to Gina Peebles, Acting Parks and Recreation Department Director.

According to David Payne, an environmental supervisor with the health department, fecal enterococci is common to Florida, especially this time of year due to the heat. He said poor water quality is not necessarily associated with the number of people swimming in an area. He said many factors, such as stormwater runoff, can contribute to poor water quality. He also said closing the KP Hole and other swimming areas along the Rainbow River was a precaution and no cause for alarm.

No one has reported illnesses.

For more information on the bacteria, call Johnny Thompson at the Marion County Health Department at (352) 629-0137 or go to www.doh.state.fl.us.