DOH-Pinellas conducts saltwater beach testing through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, and which may cause human disease, infections or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water run-off, pets, wildlife and sewage. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant beach water quality problems. These are the results of water tests conducted on Sept. 6:

The next routine sampling event will be Sept. 12. Water quality classifications are based on the EPA’s standard for enterococci of no more than 70 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of marine water. For more information about the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, visit floridahealth.gov. Select Environmental Health and then Beach Water Quality. For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.