Beach Monitoring
Environmental Health
Beach Monitoring
Healthy Beaches Program
The Healthy Beaches Program monitors beaches by collecting weekly water samples throughout the year and analyzing for enterococci bacteria. These organisms are chosen since they inhabit the intestines of humans and animals. The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections, or rashes.
Based on EPA guidelines, when these organisms reach high levels, a health advisory is issued by the Department. Public notifications include results entered on the Healthy Beaches Website, signs posted at the beach, notifying the media, and informing the local government officials. Health advisories are not lifted until samples collected show acceptable water quality. The health department also works closely with local governments and other agencies to investigate possible sources of the contaminant.
Beach Water Quality Results
Florida Healthy Beaches Program Categories are:
Good = 0-35 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
Moderate = 36-70 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
Poor = 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
Results for Miami-Dade County Beaches
Results for Beaches in the State of Florida
Aquatic Toxins-Helpful Links
Education Center | Protecting Florida Together (protectingfloridatogether.gov) Cercarial
Dermatitis
Sea Lice
Florida Poison Control-Aquatic Toxins-Marine Stings, Foodborne Illness and Red Tide
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