BREVARD COUNTY, Fla.,None — The state may soon cut back on bacteria checks at some of Central Florida's most popular beaches, including the Cocoa Beach pier that had bad water at least twice this summer, according to reports.
WFTV learned that samples are taken at the beginning of every week, so by mid-week health experts know what the water quality is and can take action, but that could change.
Florida's beaches draw millions of tourists from around the world, so the state health department regularly checks bacteria levels to make sure the water's safe for beachgoers.
Under the state's healthy beaches monitoring program, the state tests water quality in 304 locations in 34 counties every week. Workers look for bacteria commonly found in fecal matter that can make beachgoers sick. But on Monday, the state said it is considering cutting back the program to every other week in order to cut costs.
Cocoa Beach resident, Steve Pasmore said he doesn't have a problem with that.
"Twice a month or once a month it doesn't really matter, I don't believe," said Pasmore.
In Cocoa Beach, water samples near the pier have shown high levels of bacteria twice this summer. The state has had to go back out and retest the waters, and on those second tests, the bacteria dropped back to normal levels.
Pasmore said that shows the ocean is taking care of itself.
"The ocean will probably clean itself up, I do believe. It's a lot of water," said Pasmore.
Other people said that if tests are done biweekly those poor results could be missed. Also, if there is a health issue with the water it might not be discovered until it's too late and people start getting sick.
"I would like them to test as much as they can if it helps out," said Heather Bowden, a Cocoa Beach resident.
Some people argued that reduced testing could hurt beach rankings and ultimately tourism.
WFTV contacted officials in Tallahassee to find out how much money the state would save by reducing testing, but they have not given an answer.
The state is holding public hearings on the issue next month.