Three beaches in Miami-Dade are under alert due to the presence of fecal bacteria

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued a warning about contaminated water due to fecal bacteria at eight beaches across the state, including three in Miami Dadeaccording to local media reports.

TV network Univision reported that the warning was due to high concentrations of the bacteria Enterococciindicating fecal contamination. They added that the contamination comes from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or human sewage and can pose serious health risks.

America TeVé described the affected beaches as Oleta River State Park in Miami Beach, Surfside on 93rd Street in the northeast and Collins Park on 21st Street in Miami Beach.

Health concerns include that enterococci, which are found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals, can cause illness when ingested or when they come into contact with the skin through cuts. Infections can include gastrointestinal problems, ear and respiratory infections, and skin rashes.

Other affected beaches in Florida

In addition to the affected beaches in Miami, Higgs Beach, Smathers Beach, Bahia Honda Oceanside, Sombrero Beach and Founder Park in Monroe County are also under alert. In Hillsborough County, Simmons Park Beach and Bahia Beach are also under warnings.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water quality is assessed based on the number of enterococci per 100 milliliters of seawater. In this case, water quality was classified as “poor” after 71 or more enterococci were detected, which poses a significant health risk. Water quality can also be classified as “moderate” or “good” based on lower levels of bacteria.

This is not the first time that such warnings have been issued on Florida beaches. The environmental organization Environment America conducted a study that concluded that potentially dangerous levels of fecal contamination were detected on various Florida beaches in 2022.

Understanding fecal bacterial contamination on Florida beaches

In light of recent warnings about fecal bacteria on Florida beaches, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the situation:

What causes beach water contamination by fecal bacteria?

Beach water contamination by fecal bacteria can be caused by stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, and human sewage.

What health risks do enterococci bacteria pose?

Enterococci bacteria can cause gastrointestinal problems, ear and respiratory infections, and skin rashes when ingested or come into contact with cuts on the skin.

How does the EPA classify water quality at beaches?

The EPA classifies water quality based on the number of enterococci per 100 milliliters of seawater. Classifications include “poor” for high levels, “moderate” for medium levels, and “good” for low levels of bacteria.

Which beaches in Miami-Dade are currently on fecal bacteria alert?

The beaches in Miami-Dade that are under alert are Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, Surfside on 93rd Street in the northeast and Collins Park on 21st Street in Miami Beach.