Is Marco Testing Canal Waters for Enterococcus Bacteria?

Over 30 Florida counties participate in the Beach Water Quality Program according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Water sampling under the program includes fecal coliform as well as enterococci bacteria. According to the FDOH enterococci bacteria is considered a Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) and is monitored regularly. In Collier County, Healthy Beaches Program tests water samples weekly and results and advisories are posted on the county’s websites.

According to the FDOH, “Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and 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.”

The Florida Healthy Beaches Program Categories are as follows: 

* Good = 0-35 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

* Moderate = 36-70 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

* Poor = 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water

 “If an enterococci result were observed to exceed 70 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of beach water sampled and a resampling result also exceeds this value, then an "Advisory" would be issued for the sampling site,” according to FDOH. 

 “Children, the elderly, and people suffering from autoimmune disorders run a higher risk of getting sick after swimming in polluted and contaminated waters,” according to FDOH. Before you get ready to hit the local beaches, check the FDOH Healthy Beaches website for the current testing results.  

What About Marco’s Waterways?

The City of Marco Island does enterococcus testing at 14 locations on the island. No testing for fecal coliform.

Beginning October 2019, and up to December 2023, the testing was conducted monthly. Starting in 2024, the testing is scheduled quarterly and they are testing for enterococcus quarterly in the 14 on-island locations. Results are available on the City Website.

Marco Enterococcus Summary showing status and Trends from 2017 – 2024.

• Historical measurements show extreme enterococcus exceedances (up to 60X safe levels) indicating "poor" water conditions - not safe for swimming.

• 2023 conditions are improving, however exceedance recorded at Cape Marco Swallow Testing location (5X safe limit).

• In 2024 enterococcus sampling frequency was reduced from monthly to quarterly - best practice is weekly sampling. 

• With quarterly sampling, there is very little knowledge of Marco canal water conditions for enterococcus.

• Advisories are not issued on Marco for canals when conditions are not healthy.

• Enterococcus is tested in four off island locations and not detectable off island: 

** EAST RIVER MARKER 3

** MID-CHANNEL MARKER 12

** CAPRI PASS MARKER -2

** CAPRI PASS MARKER -4

• Cape Marco is the most problematic location - June is the worst month.

• Swimming in the canals is not recommended.

Weekly testing is done for the beaches in Florida and though Marco’s canals are tested quarterly for enterococcus, they are not used for recreation like beaches and advisories are not posted.