Water quality tests in Daytona Beach: Red tide, blue-green algae and bacteria
Toxic algae bloom causes water problems for summer swimmers
Due to harmful algal blooms, bathing warnings are being issued for lakes and rivers throughout the country.
Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching.
The long weekend is often considered the official end of summer and families plan barbecues, a last-minute road trip or a beach trip.
In Florida, it’s worth checking the latest water quality reports and warnings before jumping in the water. Who wants to go to the beach when it’s covered in seaweed or the air is filled with toxic red tide fumes?
And swimming with intestinal bacteria – think of fecal pollution – is just gross.
Blue-green algae were recently discovered in Lake Ashby and the Florida Department of Health is urging the public to be cautious in the area as toxins may be present.
We’ve compiled the latest testing results and health advisories from the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help you travel safely before you depart.
Is it safe to swim or fish near Daytona Beach, Florida?
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This map shows whether red tide or blue-green algae have been reported.
Weekly beach water quality data comes from the Florida Department of Health. Red tide and algal bloom data comes from the FWC. Red tide shows conditions over the last seven days and algal bloom shows conditions over the last 90 days.
Have health advisories been issued for beaches in Daytona Beach, Volusia or Flagler counties?
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What are intestinal bacteria and what symptoms occur when you come into contact with them?
Enterococci are intestinal bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. They are a sign of fecal contamination. They can come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or human sewage.
They can be swallowed while swimming or penetrate the skin through cuts or wounds.
Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.
What are blue-green algae and what symptoms occur when you come into contact with them?
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Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They can be blue, light green, brown or red and have a strong odor reminiscent of rotting plants, according to the Florida Department of Health.
When people or animals splash in the water or boats create wakes, the algae cells can be destroyed and the cyanotoxins can be released into the air. The toxins mix with water droplets and spray and can be inhaled by people and animals.
Water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick. These toxins cannot easily penetrate the skin, so swallowing large amounts of contaminated water can cause illness.
In some people, contact with blue-green algae can cause skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People with a high sensitivity to smells may experience respiratory irritation. Sometimes high levels of toxicity can affect the liver and nervous system.
What is red tide and what symptoms occur if you are exposed to it?
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Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring single-celled organism that belongs to the group of algae called dinoflagellates.
Red tide can cause coughing and sneezing and can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. According to the Florida Department of Health, reactions to red tide may be worse in people with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or a chronic lung disease.
Swimming in or around red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning and sore eyes. If you come into contact with red tide, wash with soap and water, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
In addition, red tide toxins can accumulate in filter feeders such as oysters and mussels and cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans who consume contaminated shellfish.
Webcams: Check out crowds, surf and conditions at your favorite beach
Use these webcams to see the crowds, surf, waves and sargassum at your destination.
Live webcams from Florida beaches: Check out surf, wave and sargassum conditions in the Sunshine State
Looking for something to do? Here are some ideas you may not have thought of
➤ Are you planning a Florida vacation? The Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets beyond the beach
➤ Florida bucket list: 65 Fun Things to Do and Places to Visit from the Keys to the Panhandle
➤ Best beaches: What is the best beach near me? Stuart Beach was ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the South in 2023
➤ Shell hunter? Experts name 10 rare shells that can be found on Florida beaches. Good luck!
