Florida Healthy Beaches

The Florida Department of Health collects samples for microbiological analysis on different coastal beach locations on a routine basis. High levels of bacteria can indicate an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness (GI illness) in swimmers. When high levels of Enterococci bacteria are found, public health advisories are posted and the media are notified to warn the bathing public of this increased risk of GI illness.

Water Quality Criteria

The Florida Healthy Beaches Program follows the Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQ criteria), recommendations and water quality grant requirements put forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Enterococci Single Sample

• Good: 0-35 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water.
• Moderate: 36-70 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water.
• Poor (unsatisfactory): 71 or greater Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water.

Health Implications

Enterococci is an enteric indicator bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of enteric bacteria is 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.