The first round of testing is back for waterways affected by a massive sewage leak in St. Petersburg this week.

The results from samples collected Monday show water in the areas of Joe's Creek, Cross Bayou and northern Boca Ciega Bay are not up to state standards.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said Pinellas County will continue to collect samples until testing results show two consecutive days of the water meeting the state's quality standards. Until then, the county is advising people to not swim in or drink the water in those areas.

According to the DEP, the sewage leak on 62nd Avenue spilled more than 2 million gallons of waste into the environment. Crews were only able to vacuum about half of that back up with some of the rest making it into nearby waterways.

"We don't know where it is exactly or how far it extends," said Jim Hodrick, a water quality management specialist with the county. "Just use common sense."

Not everybody is heeding the warning. Several boats left the dock at War Veterans Memorial Park Wednesday afternoon.

"It's OK, we'll be alright," said boater Rita Bishop. "We'll rinse off when we are done."

On Monday, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County will be testing water samples along Pinellas County Beaches. Those test results will take several more days to come back and if any of them are not up to standard, the county plans to notify the public immediately.

Beaches slated to be tested include:

  • Fort Desoto North (2 points)
  • Honeymoon Island
  • Indian Rocks Beach   
  • Madeira Beach
  • Pass-a-Grille
  • Redington Shores
  • Sand Key Beach
  • Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs
  • Treasure Island