Elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water have led to advisories for several Gulf Coast beaches. By the beginning of 2000, 11 Florida counties were participating in the program, which continued through July 2000. Swimming water quality signs (pictured) reflecting the latest monitoring results are posted at each of the monitored beach locations within Gulf Shores. Water Quality Reports. Home Programs and Services Our Gulf EnvironmentHealthy Beaches Beach Water Quality . BEACH Act The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act) signed into law on October 10, 2000, amends the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), incorporating provisions intended to reduce the risk of illness to users of the Nation's recreational waters. Twenty-six miles of soft white sand include several pullovers with beach access, photo opportunities and water adventures. The FGCU Water School, located in Southwest Florida, is uniquely positioned to explore water-based issues. Water quality varies with depth and locality. This service provides beach conditions reports from select beaches along the Southwest coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle. Find everything you need to know about our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches here. According to a recent study, Floridians have been exposed to unsafe drinking water: ranking the state second in the nation for most water violations reported. In 1998, five of Florida's coastal counties began monitoring for enterococci bacteria under a grant-funded pilot program. Your Water Quality May is Drinking Water Month: Gulf Coast Water Management can test water in your home at no charge. Water sampling in Pearl River County, MS The Clean Water Act provides authority and resources that are essential to protecting water quality in the Gulf of Mexico and in the larger Mississippi River Basin. Freshwater saturated thickness averages about 1,000 feet. The reports are subjective (no measurements taken, just an estimate) and designed to indicate to the beachgoer which beach … Research areas include red tide, ciguatera, waterborne diseases and toxic water and others. These test reports include results of treated drinking water collected and analyzed by approved laboratories. Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis (July 2017) Single Mineral (Cyanide) Analysis (January 2017) Minerals Analysis (January 2017) Haloacetic Acids Analysis (June 2017) Metals Analysis (January 2017) And no two towns are alike. The BEACH Act authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award … The organism that typically causes red tide blooms (Harmful Algal Blooms) in Florida is Karenia brevis.Florida red tide blooms originate 11-45 miles offshore and may be carried by wind and currents to the coastal beaches. The health of waterways impacts surrounding ecosystems, regional and state economies and people who rely on water for life and leisure. The maximum total sand thickness of the Gulf Coast Aquifer ranges from 700 feet in the south to 1,300 feet in the north. The Florida Healthy Beaches Program is responsible for monitoring beach water quality, for the latest information visit: Collier County Beach Water Quality Samples Red Tide. Coastal Conditions. Water Quality Monitoring Program. Then grab your sunscreen, beach chair and towel and head to the shoreline for a day in the sun. Beach Water Quality, Program Overview. To discover the benefits of eating seafood, as well health and environmental considerations, select the topic below. Dining on seafood is a an essential experience while visiting our coast, whether catching and cooking it yourself or being served in a restaurant. The ADEM/ADPH Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program utilizes a three tiered color coded water quality status system to help the public make a more informed decision concerning water quality and risk of illness associated with swimming.