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Beach Water Monitoring
The Sarasota County Healthy Beaches Program
monitors coastal waters. SCHD collects weekly water samples from
16 different beach sites in Sarasota County. These samples are
analyzed for enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria. If elevated
bacterial levels are found, SCHD issues health advisories and warnings,
which remain posted until bacterial levels fall within acceptable
limits.
Health Implications
Fecal coliform and enterococci are both enteric 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.
Is the beach closed completely?
When a beach water advisory is issued, the beach itself is
often still open and safe for sunbathing, sports, or other recreational
uses. SCHD advisories, including signs posted at affected beaches, will
warn people not to go in the water. In areas where there a lifeguards,
the red flag at the lifeguard station is in place as well. Signage will
remain in place until follow-up testing results meet the Environmental
Protection Agency recreational water safety standards. Before heading
off to the beach, residents and visitors can visit
www.OurGulfEnvironment.net and click on water monitoring and then
bacterial testing to check beach water testing results of
area
Gulf beaches. For more
information, call the Sarasota County Health Department’s Environmental
Health office at 941-861-6133.
Further information:
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