Water condition July 2025
Was in Santa Rosa beach area for 11 days. Worse I have seen water in years for most of those days. Sargasm/Seaweed really bad this year. Then 7/11, run off water from streets etc. was polluting the water bad. That’s uncalled for
It sounds like your experience in Santa Rosa Beach was disappointing due to the seaweed and pollution issues. Unfortunately, these can be common problems, especially during certain times of the year, but they can vary from season to season.
Sargassum and Seaweed: Sargassum and seaweed blooms are a natural occurrence, but they’ve been increasing in recent years due to factors like warmer ocean temperatures and changing ocean currents. July tends to be one of the peak months for seaweed in Florida, especially in the Panhandle, as warm Gulf waters encourage larger sargassum blooms. These blooms can wash up on the beach and impact water quality, making it less pleasant for swimming and beachgoers. However, the amount of seaweed can vary greatly from day to day, and it’s often cleaned up daily by local municipalities. For future trips, you can check seaweed conditions with local beach cams or resources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or local beach monitoring websites before heading out to ensure conditions are more favorable.
Runoff and Water Pollution: Regarding the pollution from runoff, it's unfortunate that you experienced that on July 11th. After heavy rain, runoff from streets, parking lots, and other urban areas can cause contaminants, including chemicals and debris, to wash into the water. This is especially true in areas where the drainage systems aren’t equipped to handle large amounts of rainwater or contaminants, leading to temporarily degraded water quality. While this can happen in any coastal area after rainstorms, it’s typically a short-term issue. It’s important to stay informed about any water advisories in the area, as local authorities often issue warnings when water quality is compromised. You might want to avoid swimming during these conditions to stay safe.
- Sargassum Seaweed: Common during the summer months, especially July. Seaweed may vary from day to day, but cleanup efforts are generally continuous.
- Runoff Issues: Runoff from streets can degrade water quality, especially after heavy rainfall, leading to pollution and potential health risks.
- Water Quality: For a better experience, consider checking local beach cams, water quality reports, and advisories before your trip to gauge conditions.
If you're planning to return in the future, it may be helpful to check out less busy beach areas or consider visiting earlier in the season when seaweed issues are less pronounced. Santa Rosa Beach remains a beautiful destination overall, but like any beach area, it’s important to monitor environmental conditions for the best experience.
