I would like to go to the keys but have been told the water is polluted in many areas = no swimming. Is this true?

there were some alerts last year...have not heard anything lately and i go diving down there all the time. i think most of them were for the key west area....

The only water that's ever polluted is the water nearest the shoreline. So snorkeling, diving and other water sports continue. In Key West, it's possible to have one beach polluted and another nearby that isn't. I wouldn't let this problem deter you. The testing only began in recent years, and there are lots of beaches other places that never get tested at all. There's a website that gives current testing results, but I don't know what it is.

The waters are polluted because Key West's sewer system can't handle the influx of people and sewage spills into the surrounding waters. Personally, I would not swim any where near the shore.

Actually, you're in far greater danger re: bacteria count swimming in the ocean near most resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico/Central America than in Key West. They will post in Key West when there are any concerns. It's not an every day thing, so go and have fun. Besides, if you really want to enjoy the water in the Keys you need to go out to the reef and go snorkeling.