The Sarasota County Healthy Beaches Program monitors coastal waters.
The Health Department collects weekly water samples from 16 different beach sites in Sarasota County.
- Beach water samples are analyzed for enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria.
- High concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.
- If elevated bacterial levels are found, the Sarasota County Health Department notifies the public through the issuing of press releases and posting of health advisories or warnings.
- Health advisories or warnings remain posted until bacterial levels fall within acceptable limits.
Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:
- Identify potential sources of beach water pollution through monitoring.
- Prevent waterborne illness by advising Sarasota County residents and visitors against recreating in waters potentially contaminated with human pathogens.
 Educate the public regarding beach water quality issues.
Fecal coliform and enterococci are both enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals.
Health Implications
- The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.
- If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections or rashes.
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