A few years back I was in the Keys talking to a local--a fisherman actually--who said he would never swim in the Florida Keys due to all the bacteria in the water there. Apparently, there were inadequate facilities for sewage treatment.

It kind of put me off the Keys. I'd like to return, but only if I can feel good about swimming in the ocean. Anyone have reliable information about the water quality in the Keys? I think I've heard something about new sewage treatment facilities. I really can't find anything online.

We were down there a month ago, and I saw nothing about bad water quality, though there certainly was in the past.

The location for into about the Key West water qualkity is: http://www.keywestwastewater.com/

I wouldn't hesitate to snorkel at the reef off Key West, but the coastline doesn't really lend itself to swimming. It's very shallow and frequently reedy or packed with rotting vegetation. Go to the keys for lots of things, but not swimming at the shoreline. If you do want to swim without an excursion, Ft. Zachary Taylor in Key West would be your best bet. Take beach shoes, though, because it's rocky and has coral.

"A few years back" was before they put in all new sewage pipes along the south side of the island, partly as a result of the damage caused by Wilma.

Swim away.

Pjk

Thanks to all of you. Peter, you seem to be a bit of a Keys expert. Do you know anything about water quality in the Upper Keys?

I know I might seem like a bit obsessive, but as long as I'm asking...

I've only stayed in Key West and where I stay allows me to swim in the ocean on the north side and I've never had a problem.

As far as other keys are concerned, everyone seems to agree that both swimming and snorkeling is great right off the shore at Bahia Honda State Park. Someone there rents equipment.

hth
Pjk

And I'm just moving a part of someone else's answer to a similar Q, giving credit...


Author: mdc8k
Date: 03/03/2008, 11:34 am

The wife and I were there about a month ago, and we took an outing with Danger Charters, an outfitter out of Key West. It was a full day, snorkeling/sailing/kayaking. Fewer people than a lot of the snorkeling charters, and really a great time.

Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo was probably the best snorkeling trip, in terms of the quality of snorkeling, but the boat was a little more crowded.

hth more
Pjk

Thanks, Peter.

There are a couple of warnings as we speak. This is a good site to check if planning a visit.

http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i...?county=Monroe

No_name,

That's a very useful link. Interesting how 2 of 5 beaches in Key West have advisories. The rest of the keys is fine. Scroll to the bottom and one can link to every county in Florida and obtain results.

Cimbrone, I'd still go to the Keys.

like_2travel

I hate to break it to you but lots of people ( ie, mega-hotels, cruise ships, restaurants) and the ocean don't mix. Many tourist destinations have "issues" with sewage "leakage." Hawaii. California. Tourist areas of Mexico. All (and more) have problems. Nearly all say they're fixing the problem, or have fixed the problem.

The problem is more extreme the closer to shore. But as Susan above said, one doesn't go to the Keys to swim close to shore. It's a deep water destination. It's also a drinking, eating, and people-watching destination.