The most recent water quality samples taken Wednesday for Cowell Beach, west of the Santa Cruz Municpal Wharf, indicate high bacteria levels above the safe body contact standard. Swimming advisory signs have been posted in the area. Water testing, meanwhile, will continue and the warning signs will be maintained until bacteria levels are found to be within safe body contact standards. The public is also reminded that, urban lagoons, storm drains, and stream discharges across the beaches usually have excessive bacteria levels for safe swimming standards.
