Beach-goers be sure to check FHBP for fecal pollutants
Water samples taken on May 8th from Palma Sola South, just offshore of Bradenton revealed elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria - an indicator of fecal pollution. (Torres, 5/14/24) The fecal indicator bacteria, enterococci, is used to issue marine beach advisories. Measurements of this group of bacteria have been increasing in recent years leading to an increase in the number of beach advisories. (Abdool-Ghany, 2023)
In Florida the BEACH Act, coupled with local support, provides funding for regular monitoring of beach water quality through the Florida Healthy Beaches Program (FHBP). (Tomenchok, UM) FHBP maintains a URL - Florida Healthy Beaches Program | Florida Department of Health which provides weekly testing status. The water quality advisory will remain in place until the levels decrease.
Swimming in water contaminated with fecal pollution can cause illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, ear infections, skin rashes —and could lead to even more severe conditions in children, older people, and those with compromised immune systems. (Torres, 5/14/24)
Many scientific studies reveal the main culprit for this type of pollution is stormwater run-off. When coupled with increases in temperature, more summertime water recreational activities and summer rainy season all these factors contribute to increased fecal pollutants in our offshore bay waters. Coastal areas that were developed earlier (prior to 1972) seem more prone to higher frequency of such water quality advisories.References":
Abdool-Ghany, Afeefa A., Keeping Beaches Open; Enterococci in the Nearshore Environment and Properties of Sargassum During Composting. University of Miami, dissertation May, 2023
Tomenchok, Lara E. et al. Trends in Regional Enterococci Levels at Marine Beaches and Correlations with Environmental, Global Oceanic Changes, Community Populations, and Wastewater Infrastructure. University of Miami/Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Coral Gables, Florida
Torres, Jennifer. Swimmers warned away from Florida beach with ‘fecal pollution.’ GulfLive.com May 24, 2024