Harmful bacteria linked to sewage found in Biscayne Bay

By: Imogen Francis/Staff Writer

In the last few months, Biscayne Bay has been contaminated by bacteria which is affecting the water quality and the ability for people to swim in the Bay.

Rachel Silverstein, of Miami Waterkeeper, said that the high levels of sewage bacteria are due to runoff from sources of pollution such as sewage leaks, leaking septic tanks and even dog waste. The bacteria levels are worse during the rainy season because the rain washes waste off the streets and into the bay, said Silverstein.

Silverstein said the build-up of bacteria in the Bay is an annual occurrence and will continue to happen if measures are not taken to stop sewage runoff.

“We are trying to make sure that it doesn’t by encouraging people to have their septic tanks inspected at least every three years to have any leaks quickly fixed, to encourage the county to upgrade the sewage infrastructure so that we don’t have leaks and by enforcing the pick up of dog or pet waste,” said Silverstein.

John Berry, associate professor of the marine sciences program, said the main risk for university students is recreational exposure such as kayaking in the Bay.

Recent Miami Waterkeeper results show that Biscayne Bay’s bacteria levels are returning to normal as the rainy season comes to an end, but the Miami River is still experiencing high levels of sewage bacteria in the waterways, said Silverstein.

“That’s an issue that’s ongoing with the Miami River, it’s chronically impaired,” said Silverstein.

For up to date information on water quality in Biscayne Bay, Silverstein said Miami Waterkeeper has a free app called Swim Guide which displays the Department of Health and Miami Waterkeeper’s water readings.