Palma Sola Bay is under scrutiny as water testing data continues to reveal disparities in water quality between the north and south sides.
Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Manatee County Department of Health independently monitor water conditions and results have raised concerns about potential health risks for people.
Palma Sola Bay is a small embayment in west Bradenton that flows into Anna Maria Sound. Cortez, a community where commercial fishing has long been an important economic activity, is south of the bay.
Suncoast Waterkeeper has been collecting water quality data from the north side of Palma Sola Bay, north of Manatee Avenue at the Palma Sola Causeway. The group’s results show levels of enterococcus bacteria consistently exceed those recorded on the south side, which is monitored by the health department.
The testing site on the south shore of the bay is east of the first humpback bridge and Suncoast Waterkeeper tests on the north shoreline just before the bridge.
Enterococcus bacteria, commonly associated with fecal contamination, can pose serious health risks, including gastrointestinal issues and skin infections.
Abbey Tyrna, executive director for SCWK said test results for the north side indicate contamination levels that typically would warrant a public safety warning.
For reference, a report of 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters of marine water is considered good, 36-70 cells is moderate and 71 or greater is poor.
The group’s Jan. 8 report for north Palma Sola Bay showed 364 cells per 100 milliliters. A Dec. 26, 2023, test showed 379 cells per 100 milliliters. A Dec. 18, 2023, test showed 1,112 cells per 100 milliliters.
The DOH’s Jan. 10 report, for south Palma Sola Bay showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters. A Jan. 3 test showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters. A Dec. 27, 2023, test showed 0-35 cells per 100 milliliters.
Tyrna said Jan. 17 that recent talks with the state might enable the local health department to utilize Suncoast Waterkeeper data to issue warnings.
“The state has OK’d our data to go into their system to determine the quality of their waters,” Tyrna said.
SCWK already has hired a technician to enter testing data into a state database.
She said she is hopeful the group’s findings can be used to determine impairment for the bay and, if necessary, warn the public.
“It is very clear that you should not swim in places where we find high levels,” she said.
Data comparisons over time reveal a clear pattern, with the north side consistently recording higher levels of enterococcus bacteria. This difference would seem to underscore the importance of comprehensive monitoring strategies that consider variations in water quality across different areas of the bay.
Tyrna said Suncoast Waterkeeper reports its findings weekly at suncoastwaterkeeper.org/safetoswim.
She said the next step is to test for DNA.
Enterococci bacteria is in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans and, through DNA testing, the specific source of a bacterial outbreak could be identified.
The group received funding for DNA testing but the cost was higher than expected, forcing the group to extend its timeline for results into February.
“I have been in communication with DOH and Manatee County representatives on this issue of Palma Sola and us doing the bacteria testing,” Tyrna said. “They support it. They don’t have funding for it but they are interested in seeing the results. They are also interested in finding out what the possible sources might be.”
She said county participation would be instrumental in helping determine the next step after the source or sources of the enterococcus bacteria are determined.
The Islander reached out to the DOH by email Jan. 16 but as of Islander press time Jan.22 there was no reply.
Water quality reports can be found at www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality and www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org/safetoswim.