Recreational Water Quality
The City of St. Petersburg strives to maintain safe water for our citizens and environmental health. A statewide testing program for enterococci has been recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a saltwater quality indicator. According to studies conducted by the EPA, enterococci have a greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms and are less likely to "die off" in saltwater.
Recreational Water Quality Results
Recreational water quality is sampled and tested by the City of St. Petersburg Environmental Compliance Division at select surface water locations. Testing is completed weekly on Wednesday and results are usually posted on Thursday. If the test indicates sub-par water quality, testing will be performed again the following day. Results of the second test will be posted on Friday. If the second test still indicates poor quality, an "Advisory" will be issued for the sampling site.
The map and reports below provide information about the quality of environmental health, ambient water quality monitoring, trends in water quality and monitoring programs for sanitary sewers, background conditions, beaches and recreational areas.
Recreational Water Quality Map
Weekly Water Quality Testing
The water quality at the below sites is tested for enterococci (in Colony Forming Units, or CFU, per 100 mL of water) on a weekly basis.
| Site | Sampling Result | Testing Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximo Beach |
24 CFU/100 mL |
2/12/2020 | Good |
| Northshore Beach | 76 CFU/100 mL | 2/13/2020 | Poor |
| Treasure Island Beach | 8 CFU/100 mL | 2/12/2020 | Good |
| Lassing Park | 4 CFU/100 mL |
2/12/2020 | Good |
Monthly Water Quality Testing
The water quality at the below sites is tested for e. coli (in Most Probable Number, or MPN, per 100mL of water) or enterococci (in Colony Forming Units, or CFU, per 100 mL of water) on a monthly basis.
| Site | Test Performed | Sampling Result | Testing Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weedon Island Park | Enterococci | 20 CFU/100 mL | 12/12/2019 | Good |
| Fossil Park Lake | Enterococci | 670 CFU/100 mL | 2/11/2020 | Poor |
| Salt Creek Park | Enterococci | 600 CFU/100 mL | 2/11/2020 | Poor |
| Walter Fuller Park | E. coli | 41 MPN/100 mL |
12/12/2019 | Good |
| Jungle Prada Park | Enterococci | 10 CFU/100 mL |
12/12/2019 | Good |
| Grandview Park | Enterococci | 10 CFU/100 mL |
12/12/2019 | Good |
| Bay Vista Park | Enterococci | 20 CFU/100 mL | 12/12/2019 | Good |
| Clam Bayou Kayak Launch | Enterococci | 130 CFU/100 mL | 2/11/2020 | Poor |
| Sunset Park: Sunset Dr. N./Central Ave. |
Enterococci | 10 CFU/100 mL | 12/12/2019 | Good |
Reports
2017 - Ambient Water Quality Report Card: Results of annual water quality monitoring program presented in a scientifically sound and easy-to-read format developed for the public, stakeholders and City Council.
2017 - Ambient Water Quality Report Card Trend Analysis: Analytical results of trend analysis for land-based, lake, and the estuarine data collected since 2003. The City was divided into 2 basins that drain to either Boca Ciega Bay or Middle Tampa Bay based on previous management delineations used by City or by local Inter-governmental agencies.
2019 - Water Quality Report Card: Summary of data collected for monitoring programs the City has implemented to provide critical insights to the status and trends in water for two central themes related to water quality – Environmental Health and Human Health to meet the requirements of Consent Order (OGC No. 16-1280).
