CWK releases monthly results
The Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) recently released the Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) results from its sampling efforts Saturday, Oct. 17.
Its trained volunteers conduct FIB water sampling at up to 32 sites in Southwest Florida each month. The CWK publishes the results to keep the public informed on potential risks.
It noted Enterococci bacteria found in water can cause gastrointestinal illness, infections and rashes.
Most of the locations the CWK monitors are public access sites, such as parks, boat ramps and kayak launches that the state does not monitor. Florida does monitor the most popular beaches, and that data can be looked up separately on the state’s “Healthy Beaches” website.
The CWK reported results over 70 MPN would trigger an advisory from the Florida Department of Health if the sites are classified as “public bathing places.”
The maximum allowable threshold set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is 130 MPN (TPTV).
For more information and historical data on the FIB program, visit http://calusawaterkeeper.org/issues/bacteria-monitoring/.