Gulf Of Mexico

Coastal beach water samples collected every two weeks by the county health departments are analyzed for enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria. High concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the presence of microorganisms that could cause diseases, infections, or rashes. County health departments will issue health advisories or warnings when these conditions are confirmed. Learn more about the Florida Healthy Beaches Program »

Rating Descriptions

	GOOD	MODERATE	POOR*
Enterococcus Results Description	0-35 Enterococcus sp per 100 ml of marine water 0-35 CFU/100 mL Enterococcus sp Geometric Mean	36-104 Enterococcus sp per 100 ml of marine water	105 or greater Enterococcus sp per 100 ml of marine water 36 and Over CFU/100 mL Enterococcus sp Geometric Mean
Fecal Coliform Results Description	0-199 fecal coliform organisms per 100 ml of marine water	200-399 fecal coliform organisms per 100 ml of marine water	400 or greater fecal coliform organisms per 100 ml of marine water
* A Poor rating may result in a resampling event to confirm poor conditions, otherwise a Health Advisory or Warning will be issued immediately. These indicate that contact with the water at this site may pose increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. A reading of NR means "No Result." This could indicate that no sample was taken at this point because of weather or other factors, or that an analysis result was not obtained from the laboratory.

Source: Florida Healthy Beaches Program

• For More Information, Visit the Florida Department of Health, Florida Healthy Beaches Program website

Although present in all surface waters, nutrients are among the leading causes of degradation of Florida water resources. Learn more about nutrient chemistry »

Water clarity or turbidity measures the degree to which light is blocked because the water is cloudy or contains suspended particles, such as algae. Water clarity is one indicator of a waterbody's ability to sustain plants and wildlife. Learn more about water clarity »

The currently used bacterial indicators for recreational waters include total coliform, fecal coliform and enterococcus. Indicator organisms themselves are not necessarily pathogenic but their presence "indicates" or suggests recent contamination by human sewage or other waste which may result in human illness. Sources of contamination include storm water runoff, sewage overflows and feces from wild and domestic animals. Learn more about marine indicator bacteria »

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is one of the most important indicators of water quality. It is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. Learn more about dissolved oxygen »

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