DeSantis Vetoes Beach Water Testing Bill

On Wednesday, June 26th, Governor DeSantis vetoed a bill requiring provisions for bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places. The bill, supported by many Florida Health Organizations and Environmental agencies, was expected to pass. Some argue that DeSantis's reasoning in his veto letter isn’t logical, while others believe there may be some truth to his opposition. DeSantis stated that health departments like the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are important for environmental conservation but shouldn't have the power to override local jurisdictions on beach and water quality operations.

The Department of Health has historically been responsible for assessing public health, enforcing laws related to sanitation and communicable diseases, and coordinating with various officials to prevent environment-related health risks. House Bill 165 would have shifted significant responsibilities for water quality and testing to the DOH, potentially excluding local and community input in water quality regulations. 

In his veto letter, DeSantis emphasized the importance of protecting the state’s natural resources and argued that giving the Department of Health power over Florida beaches would be "ill-advised." The bill would have required the agency to issue health advisories and restrict access when waters "fail to meet established standards" to "protect public health, safety, and welfare," according to a House analysis. The goal was to expand the definition of public bathing places monitored for fecal bacteria by the health department, ensure consistent notifications, and signage, and create a standardized statewide database. 

The veto doesn't prevent lawmakers from modifying and re-submitting the bill. As suggested in the veto letter, it is important to determine whether state or local governments should have jurisdiction over water quality notification of beaches and public bathing spots. To ensure that the water quality of an area is safe and non-toxic, local governments are responsible for regularly testing and treating water quality. With the varying water quality needs of communities and regions within the state it has been beneficial for local governments to enact zoning laws and educate residents on ways they can help contribute to better water quality.

A large issue affecting many local communities and their water quality is "red tide" at the beach and present in other bodies of water. It's an algal bloom, which happens when there's a rapid increase in algae in freshwater. Algal blooms are becoming more common and can harm the ecosystem and water supply, which some local communities are reliant on. Some blooms are toxic, making water unsafe for humans and animals and they deplete oxygen, killing fish and marine life. Other pollutants affecting an area might include oil spills, microplastics, or industrial waste. 

Environmentalists in favor of the bill hoped that it might improve the current system and the rate at which public health advisories are announced when a body of water fails to meet water quality standards. Their argument follows the premise that there needs to be increased funding for water quality testing, to ensure more frequent reports. Those in favor of the bill’s legislation also pushed for a faster and more streamlined reporting system to alert the public of any possible health threats or concerns related to local water quality and harmful pollutants.

Regardless of whether water quality assurance falls in the hands of local or state governments, monitoring data is used to determine whether or not pollution regulations and zoning laws are being complied with. From oil spills and radiation leaks to floods and mass erosion, water quality monitoring data is a must when developing emergency strategies. In DeSantis’s veto letter, the question arises of whether local or state authorities would be more beneficial to assuring that water quality monitoring needs are met.