Broward County Health Department collects beach water samples along the Coast of Broward County to monitor the quality of the beach water. Weekly beach water samples are collected from the ocean at fifteen (15) selected locations in Broward County from Hallandale Beach to Deerfield Beach.  These samples are analyzed for fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria. 

In the event that a sample results exceeds the fecal coliform (399 colonies forming units (CFU) per 100 mL) or enterococci (104 CFU/mL for a single sample or 35 CFU/mL for a geometric mean average) standards, a repeat sample is taken the next day.  If the repeat sample fails the fecal coliform standard, a Warning sign will be posted at the beach site until it is cleared by satisfactory repeat sampling. If it fails the enterococci standard, an Advisory sign will be posted at the beach site until it is cleared as above.

For weekly beach water sample results and more information on the Florida Healthy Beaches Program click here:  http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/irm00beachwater/default.aspx

For questions about the program please call (954) 467-4700 Ext 4231