Everglades West Coast Basin Bacteria TMDL StoryMap

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a scientific determination of the maximum amount of a given pollutant that a surface water can absorb and still meet the water quality standards that protect human health and aquatic life. Bacteria TMDLs are developed for waterbodies that do not meet bacteriological quality criteria designed to protect human health, which are defined in the State’s Surface Water Quality Standards (Chapter 62-302, F.A.C.). The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) uses the best available information to identify waterbodies and water segments that do not meet the applicable water quality standards, including fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), following the methods in the Impaired Waters Rule (Chapter 62-303, F.A.C.) The comprehensive list of waters not attaining standards is available through the DEP’s Watershed Assessment Section webpage.

The Bacteria TMDLs are documented in Florida’s 2024 Everglades West Coast Basin TMDL Report ( here ). The TMDLs are established to address FIB impairments in fresh and marine waters that do not meet the applicable criteria for Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterococci, or fecal coliform bacteria. The report identifies the concentration (count) based TMDLs and TMDL reduction targets to restore individual impaired waterbodies or segments so that they meet the applicable water quality FIB criteria. This Story Map complements the report by showing the locations of waterbodies addressed by the FIB TMDLs and provides geographic information about potential sources of bacteria contributions to surface waters. This information serves as an aid for developing TMDL implementation strategies to control pollution. 

This Story Map reflects the status of bacteria TMDLs and potential sources of bacterial contributions as of February 2024. As you scroll through the Story Map, tips are provided for viewing the available geographic information. 

* The story map will display differently depending on the screen size and resolution being used. Story map best viewed in Chrome or Firefox.