Water Quality

long shot of docks

The City of Stuart regularly collaborates with agency and community partners to ensure the St. Lucie River is a vibrant and safe environment for all residents and visitors. 

LAKE RELEASE SCHEDULE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has created an interactive daily Lake Release Schedule that displays the flows to the St. Lucie estuary in real-time. Discharges are measured in cubic feet per second (CFS). 

STAY INFORMED

Beaches: Martin County Ocean Rescue manages the safety of beach goers at four guarded beaches. Advisory signs are posted at all non-guarded beaches. For daily updates on current beach conditions throughout Martin County, please call Martin County's Beach Information Hotline at (772) 320-3112.

Florida Department of Health: The Florida Department of Health provides education to the public to prevent and reduce illnesses caused by harmful algae blooms. The Martin County Health Department conducts beach and river water sampling to test for enterococci bacteria, which normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. If higher than normal levels of bacteria are present, advisory signs will be posted and residents are urged to avoid contact with the water.

Algae bloom toxicity levels: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida’s water management districts collect samples when algae blooms are observed.

Suspected algae-related illness: Citizens are advised, if they have any suspected algae-related illness or health effects due to exposure to a harmful algal bloom or aquatic toxin, to see their physician and report any suspected illness to the Florida Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.

REPORT

AN ALGAE BLOOM:

Blue-green algae: The City reminds residents and visitors to avoid contact with algae blooms and stay out of waters where it is present. Please report blue-green algal blooms or sightings online at Work Request Form and/or by contacting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at the DEP Algal Bloom Hotline at (844) 305-3903.

Red tide: To report red tide blooms, visit the FWC website to submit a report online.

IMPACTS ON FISH AND WILDLIFE:

Fish kills: Fish kills or other wildlife impacted by poor water quality should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) at (800) 636-0511 or submit a fish kill report online.