The Florida News Journal

Florida To Stop Testing Water At Many Beaches to Save Money Amid Recent Tests Showing Unsafe Beaches Around State

By News Desk 2 Writers

August 7, 2011

http://thefloridanewsjournal.com/2011/08/07/florida-to-stop-testing-water-at-many-beaches-to-save-money-amid-recent-tests-showing-unsafe-beaches-around-state

Florida is cutting $500,000 from funding needed to test water samples at beaches around the state.

Florida, known for its tropical-like beaches that draw millions of locals and tourists from around the world wants to stop testing the water at most beaches, and for the remaining ones, test every other week instead of weekly as is done now.

This comes as recent tests have shown unsafe waters forced the posting of health warnings or closing of 24 beaches for health issues leaving some to wonder how they will know if the water is safe.  The Florida Department of Health has drafted a plan to curtail testing and plan to implement it as soon as they receive federal approval.