The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County conducted a saltwater quality sampling at the Town of Palm Beach Midtown Beach on July 29, 2019. The water sample was examined for Enterococci bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may cause human disease, infections or rashes. The presence of Enterococci bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. The test result for Midtown Beach came back with a high Enterococci Level of 180 and thus a Water Quality Advisory was issued by the Health Department for this beach. The Health Department considers this a potential health risk to the bathing public.
The Town of Palm Beach took the immediate action of closing Town Beach’s to swimming and had the water quality retested for the presence of enteric bacteria. The water quality is now at safe levels and the beach has been reopened to the public.
The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County has been conducting saltwater beach water quality sampling since August 5, 2002, as part of the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine Florida’s beach water quality.
For more information on the beach closure, please contact Sean Baker at (561) 227-6433. If you should have any questions on the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County at (561) 274-3187 or (561)837-5988, or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website (www.doh.state.fl.us, click on the drop down arrow next to “Choose Subject” and then select “Beach Water Quality”).