Bahia Honda State Park is a popular destination in the Florida Keys, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. As a responsible traveler, it’s essential to understand the current water quality conditions at the park to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the latest water quality data, any advisories or concerns, and how the park maintains and monitors its water quality.
Current Water Quality at Bahia Honda State Park
The water quality at Bahia Honda State Park is regularly tested by the Florida Healthy Beaches Program, which monitors for the presence of enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of potential harmful pathogens and viruses. According to the latest data:
- Oceanside Beach: The water quality at Bahia Honda State Park’s Oceanside Beach is currently considered “good,” with the latest sample taken on February 27, 2024, showing that the beach has passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.
- Bayside Beach: The Bayside Beach at Bahia Honda State Park is also classified as “good” for swimming.
Water Quality Concerns or Advisories at Bahia Honda State Park
While the water quality at Bahia Honda State Park is generally excellent, there have been instances where advisories were issued due to elevated bacteria levels:
- Past Advisories: In June 2024, the Florida Department of Health issued a swim advisory for several Florida Keys beaches, including Bahia Honda’s oceanside beach, due to elevated levels of enteric bacteria.
- Monitoring Program: The Florida Healthy Beaches Program closely monitors the beaches in the Florida Keys, including Bahia Honda State Park. If the enterococci result exceeds 104 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of beach water and a resampling result also exceeds this value, a “Beach Advisory” would be issued for the location.
Maintenance and Monitoring of Water Quality at Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park’s water quality is maintained and monitored through the following efforts:
- Florida Healthy Beaches Program: The Florida Department of Public Health is responsible for monitoring the beaches of the Florida Keys, including Bahia Honda State Park, for the presence of fecal bacteria.
- Sampling Frequency: Samples are collected bi-weekly on Tuesdays, and the results are posted on the Florida Healthy Beaches website on Thursdays. The peak season for monitoring is from March to November.
Quantifiable Details
- Enterococcus Levels:
- Good: 0-35 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
- Moderate: 36-70 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
- Poor: 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
- Sampling Frequency: Bi-weekly on Tuesdays, with results posted on Thursdays
- Peak Monitoring Season: March to November
Bahia Honda State Park is committed to maintaining the highest water quality standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. By closely monitoring the water quality and addressing any concerns or advisories promptly, the park aims to provide a pristine natural environment for visitors to explore and appreciate.
References
- Florida Healthy Beaches Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ocean.floridamarine.org/fknms_wqpp/floridabeach.htm
- Tripadvisor. (2024, June 24). Water concerns Marathon. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g34347-i4512-k14802923-Water_concerns_Marathon-Marathon_Florida_Keys_Florida.html
- Swim Guide. (n.d.). Bahia Honda State Park Oceanside Beach. Retrieved from https://www.theswimguide.org/beach/1454
- Florida Department of Health. (2022, July 28). Public Health Advisory Issued for Bahia and Simmons Park Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels. Retrieved from https://hillsborough.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2022/07/bahia-simmons-beach-advisory-07282022.html
- Keys Weekly. (2024, June 28). SWIM ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR SEVERAL FLORIDA KEYS BEACHES AMID ELEVATED BACTERIA LEVELS. Retrieved from https://keysweekly.com/42/swim-advisories-issued-for-several-florida-keys-beaches-amid-elevated-bacteria-levels/.