With Labor Day right around the corner, locals looking to take advantage of the unofficial last weekend of summer should watch out for potential health risks lingering below the surface — namely, sewage-related bacteria.

Warm waters along Louisiana's lakes and shores attract beachgoers and bacteria alike, bringing an increased risk of exposure to enterococci bacteria , which may cause infections, diseases or rashes.

Enterococci bacteria is mostly found in sewage and fecal matter, making it a good indicator of contaminated water.

When the Louisiana Department of Health detects higher volumes of the bacteria, they place the beach under an advisory, posting "swim at your own risk" signs. If bacteria levels are high enough, officials will close the beach to swimmers.

So before you load

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