Walton County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results

The Walton County Health Department has been conducting saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites once every week since August 1, 2000, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.  The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.  The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant coastal beach water quality problems and whether future beach monitoring efforts are necessary.

Water quality classifications are based upon the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended standard for enterococci of greater than or equal to 104 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of marine water.

Health Advisories have been issued for Miramar Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Eastern Lake Beach and Inlet Beach Access based on the enterococci standard  recommended by the EPA.  This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public.

If you should have any questions, please contact the Walton County Health Department at  (850) 892-8021, or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website www.doh.state.fl.us, click on “Floridians and Visitors” – under “Food, Water, Air, Land,” choose “Beach Water Quality.”