Marco’s Beaches Showing High Levels of Enterococcus Bacteria

Test results taken on August 6th & 8th, by the Florida Department of Health Healthy Beaches Program indicates that South Beach, Residents Beach and Tigertail Beach recorded 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water giving these beaches POOR rating for water quality. 

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. 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 at floridahealth.gov.