South Florida's Polluted Beach Waters: Where To Avoid

Florida's beaches are known for their stunning nature, but some of them are also known for their polluted waters. In 2024, two Florida beaches were among the most polluted in the United States, according to the Surfrider Foundation's Clean Water Report. The report found that the main cause of beach closures and swimming advisories is stormwater runoff, which can wash chemicals and other pollutants into local waterways and down to the beach. While Florida has programs in place to monitor and improve beach water quality, such as the Beach Water Sampling Program and the Florida Healthy Beaches Program, pollution from sewage, stormwater runoff, and agricultural activities continues to be a concern for many of the state's beaches.

Fecal contamination

In 2023, a report by Environment America revealed that 70% of the 244 beaches tested in Florida had potentially unsafe levels of fecal indicator bacteria on at least one occasion. This issue is particularly prominent in South Florida, with beaches like South Beach in Key West, Higgs Beach, and North Shore Ocean Terrace in Miami Beach frequently showing unsafe levels of fecal contamination.

The consequences of swimming in contaminated water can be severe, ranging from stomach sickness, breathing problems, and skin rashes to more serious infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. Environmental groups like the Surfrider Foundation and Environment Florida have been advocating for cleaner beaches, and their efforts have led to some policy improvements. However, there is still a long way to go in addressing this issue comprehensively.

To address the problem of fecal contamination in South Florida's beaches, increased funding has been allocated to relevant departments. For instance, the International Boundary and Water Commission received triple the typical annual funding to address issues at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment plant. Additionally, Florida lawmakers have passed measures to increase fines for sewage spills, recognizing the importance of maintaining healthy beaches for the success of the tourism industry.

Stormwater runoff

The pollutants picked up by stormwater runoff can include debris such as plastic bags, bottles, and yard waste, as well as hazardous wastes like insecticides, herbicides, paint, motor oil, heavy metals, and chemicals. These pollutants can contaminate water sources used for swimming, fishing, and even drinking, posing health risks to both aquatic life and humans.

In South Florida, stormwater runoff is a major contributor to beach pollution, particularly bacterial contamination. According to a 2019 report by Environment Florida, many beaches in the region were found to be unsafe for swimming on at least one occasion due to bacteria from sewage and stormwater runoff. Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park in Hudson was highlighted as one of the most frequently contaminated beaches, with potentially unsafe water levels on 19 out of 26 test days.

The Florida Department of Health routinely monitors beach water quality, testing for the presence of enterococci and fecal indicator bacteria, which can indicate fecal pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, and human sewage. High concentrations of these bacteria in recreational waters can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, or rashes if ingested or if they come into contact with open wounds.

To address the issue of stormwater runoff, Pinellas County in South Florida has implemented regulations to prohibit pollutants from entering surface waters, the drainage system, or roads leading to storm drains. The county code specifically prohibits the dumping of waste, chemicals, oil, sewage, trash, and yard waste into the storm drainage system. These measures aim to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the region's beaches and water bodies, protecting both the environment and public health.

Sewage overflow

The Surfrider Foundation, an environmental nonprofit group, reported in 2024 that two Florida beaches were among the most polluted in the United States. Their labs processed 9,538 water samples from 567 distinct sampling sites across the country, and Florida's beaches did not fare well. Of the 567 beaches tested, 362 yielded at least one high bacteria result that exceeded state health standards. The majority of these samples were collected from freshwater sources like rivers, creeks, and marshes, which are influenced by stormwater runoff, or at beaches near these outlets.

Stormwater runoff is the leading cause of beach closures and swimming advisories in the United States. It can wash chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants from streets and lawns into local waterways and eventually down to the beach. This runoff can contain fecal indicator bacteria, which can indicate the presence of fecal pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, and human sewage. High concentrations of these bacteria in recreational waters can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, or rashes if ingested or if they enter the body through cuts or sores.

In addition to the immediate health risks, sewage overflow also has long-term environmental consequences. South Florida has a history of dumping partially treated human waste offshore, which has contributed to the decline of coral populations. The excess sewage provides nutrients for algal blooms, which form thick mats of seaweed that smother and kill coral. This, in combination with other stressors like rising ocean temperatures and farm runoff, has led to a significant decrease in coral reef coverage.

To address the issue of sewage overflow, local officials have implemented measures such as increasing fines for sewage spills and approving additional funding for wastewater treatment plants. While these steps are a start, community groups and environmental advocates emphasize the need for more widespread recognition of the issue to build pressure on state and federal leaders to take further action.

Algal blooms

In Florida, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are commonly found along saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water bodies. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are prevalent in Florida's fresh and brackish waters, with the potential to produce toxins that can be released into the air when the algae cells are disturbed. These toxins can cause skin irritation and, if consumed in large amounts, can lead to illness in both humans and animals. The state's environmental management agencies, such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, play a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating the impacts of algal blooms to safeguard Florida's natural resources.

The Gulf Coast of Florida is particularly susceptible to harmful algal blooms, with red tide events being a frequent occurrence. Red tide is caused by the microscopic algae species Karenia brevis, and it can result in beach closures due to the potential health risks for beachgoers. NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science closely monitors these blooms and provides regular forecasts to help residents, visitors, and public health managers make informed decisions during HAB events.

While algal blooms can have detrimental effects, not all blooms are harmful. Some blooms are beneficial, providing food and habitat for marine life. Additionally, blooms can indicate underlying issues within an ecosystem, such as nutrient overload or pollution, which can help identify areas in need of environmental protection and restoration.

To address the challenges posed by harmful algal blooms, Florida has implemented measures such as increasing fines for sewage spills and allocating funding for research and monitoring activities. These steps are crucial in mitigating the impacts of algal blooms on the state's natural resources, tourism industry, and public health.

Industrial agriculture

One of the primary concerns regarding water pollution in South Florida is nutrient pollution, particularly from excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are often associated with agricultural activities and can have detrimental effects on the region's water bodies. For example, nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural areas can be transported by stormwater runoff, leading to harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs release toxins and deplete oxygen levels in the water, resulting in the loss of seagrasses, fish kills, and severe harm to aquatic ecosystems.

To address nutrient pollution, the SFWMD has implemented Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). These practices are designed to be practical and cost-effective, helping agricultural businesses reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and other pollutants that can enter water resources. By following BMPs, the agricultural community can play a crucial role in protecting and improving water quality while maintaining or enhancing their production.

However, BMPs alone may not be sufficient to control nonpoint source pollution, especially in urban and agricultural areas. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida advocates for a multifaceted approach, including adequate water sampling, stringent BMPs with effective enforcement, and controlling pollution at its source. By addressing pollution at the source, whether it be from urban or agricultural runoff, the conservancy aims to prevent impurities from entering water bodies and causing costly and time-consuming restoration processes.

Additionally, public investment in natural and green infrastructure can help prevent runoff pollution. Protecting and preserving natural infrastructure, such as wetlands, can provide effective filtration of pathogens and other contaminants, harnessing nature's tools to maintain clean water. The SFWMD's Dispersed Water Management Program collaborates with public, private, and tribal landowners to retain excess stormwater on the landscape, offering environmental benefits and supporting the agricultural economy.

In conclusion, industrial agriculture is a significant contributor to water pollution in South Florida, and addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the health of the region's water bodies and ecosystems. By implementing best management practices, collaborating with agricultural communities, and investing in natural infrastructure, South Florida can strive to reduce the impact of industrial agriculture on its water resources and promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.

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