PALM BEACH, Florida – The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County conducted a saltwater quality sampling at the Town of Palm Beach on April 29, 2024. The water sample was examined for Enterococci bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of Enterococci bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. The test result for Midtown Beach came back with a high Enterococci Level of 201 and thus a Water Quality Advisory is being issued by the Health Department for this beach. The Health Department considers this a potential health risk to the bathing public.
The Florida Department of Health of Palm Beach County will collect new water samples on the morning of May 1st 2024, to reassess the bacterial levels. The results will be posted by the Department of Health when available. The swimming advisory will remain in place until bacterial levels return to normal level and the Department of Health issues an all clear.
The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County has been conducting saltwater quality sampling since August 5, 2002, as part of the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine Florida’s beach water quality.
For more information on the beach advisory, please contact Joseph Sekula at (561) 227-6435. If you should have any questions on the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County at (561) 274-3187 or (561)837-5988 or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website HERE.
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