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 »

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 »