Bacteria TMDLs
Water-Quality-Evaluation-TMDL Quick links
Bacteria TMDLs
Draft TMDL Reports | Upcoming Meetings
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 described below have been established to address FIB impairments in fresh and marine waters throughout the state, that do not meet the applicable criteria for Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterococci, or fecal coliform bacteria.
News and Announcements
New! The department announces a public meeting to present and receive public comments on the revised draft fecal indicator bacteria Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for impaired surface waters in the Everglades West Coast Basin, to be adopted in Rule 62-304.810, F.A.C. The meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025, 2 p.m. to be held virtually via GoToWebinar. Registration for the webinar is provided below under meeting location.
The revised draft TMDL document and supporting data files for these impaired waters is available below, and will be provided upon request to interested parties by mail or via email distribution. The Everglades West Coast Basin TMDLs serve as a pilot for documenting bacteria TMDLs throughout the state in reports using a basin or other regional approach. The department will accept written comments on the draft TMDLs, as well as the establishment of these bacteria TMDLs based on the generally applicable criteria in subsection 62-302.530(6), F.A.C., through October 31, 2025.
Written comments should be directed to: Eric.Simpson@FloridaDEP.gov, Mail Station #3555, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400.
TMDLs to be Presented | Meeting Date and Time | Meeting Location |
|---|---|---|
Revised Draft
| October 14, 2025 2 p.m. |
|
Bacteria TMDL Reports
Everglades West Coast Basin
New update:
- Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDLs for the Everglades West Coast Basin (Revised Draft October 2025)
- Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDLs for the Everglades West Coast Basin (Revised Draft March 2024)
- Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDLs for the Everglades West Coast Basin (Draft March 2022)
Supporting Information for TMDL Developments:
Data files updated for October 2025 TMDL version:
Previously Held Public Meeting Materials:
- Presentation on the Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDLs for the Everglades West Coast Basin (Held on April 4th, 2024)
- Audio-Video Recording of Public Meeting (Held on April 4th, 2024)