TAMPA BAY FIB DASHBOARD

USING THE DASHBOARD
METHODS

WELCOME TO THE TAMPA BAY FIB DASHBOARD!

This dashboard summarizes fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) data for a baywide assessment and for data collected as part of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPCHC) monitoring program. The latter is specific to evaluating fecal impairments in the Hillsborough and Alafia river basins. The assessments are meant to inform progress remediating fecal impairments or to support prioritization of areas for further investigation. They are not meant to support beach monitoring efforts or closures for recreational uses - alternative reporting products are available for that purpose (see FLDOH Healthy Beaches and Pinellas County Recreational Water Quality Map). The dashboard is organized in the following sections:

BAYWIDE: View baywide summaries of Enterococcus data at select monitoring locations for each bay segment
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY: View summaries of Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPCHC) FIB data for the Hillsborough and Alafia River basins
MANATEE COUNTY: View summaries of Manatee County FIB data for select monitoring locations
DATA DOWNLOADS: Download baywide, Hillsborough County, or Manatee County data

The plots in this dashboard are interactive and display options can be controlled using a mouse. Most plots include a control menu on the top with different options for viewing the data. For example, click the camera icon to download a plot.

DATA SOURCES

Source data used on this website were obtained from multiple sources for the baywide assessment and from the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. Data can be obtained using functions from the tbeptools R package described below. Graphics and tables provided on the dashboard are made available for exploratory purposes only.

WEBSITE INFO

The page source content can be viewed on Github. Nearly all of the data, tables, and plots were created using functions in the tbeptools R software package. Please see the vignette for a detailed overview of how you can use these functions on your own to work with the data.

Questions and comments about the dashboard can be sent to Marcus Beck. Like this app? Share it on social media using the #TampaBayOpenSci hashtag.

Citation info here:

This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to understand and use the dashboard

Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) provide information on the potential exposure risk from contact recreation or fish/shellfish consumption from surface waters with high fecal loads. These indicators are imperfect and provide only a general overview of the potential risk. Presence of FIBs does not necessarily indicate the presence of fecal pathogens, but their presence can be used to prioritize areas for further investigation or remediation.

The FIBs used in this dashboard are Enterococcus cell concentrations for the baywide assessment and a mix of pathogens for the EPCHC data. For the latter, these include fecal coliform for the report card and fecal coliform, Enterococcus, and E. Coli for the map summaries depending on which map is shown.

Report card score categories

The report cards on each page use similar methods for defining overall risk categories for the FIBs. The scores are applied to individual monitoring stations or as a baywide total and describe the likelihood that the samples in a given year exceed a relevant cell concentration threshold. The thresholds are 400 CFU / 100 mL of Enterococcus for the baywide assessments and 130 CFU / 100 mL of fecal coliform for the EPCHC and Manatee County assessments. The score categories are as follows:

A: < 10% likelihood that the samples exceed the threshold
B: 10-30% likelihood that the samples exceed the threshold
C: 30-50% likelihood that the samples exceed the threshold
D: 50-75% likelihood that the samples exceed the threshold
E: > 75% likelihood that the samples exceed the threshold

For the baywide assessments, the score categories are assigned to both individual stations and for each bay segment, whereas scores are only assigned to stations for the EPCHC data. The stations for the baywide assessments were chosen specifically as downstream endpoints that drain directly into each bay segment, whereas the EPCHC and Manatee County stations are more distributed throughout the watershed. The bay segment score categories are based on the aggregate of all samples from each station that drain into that segment.

Map summaries

The maps on each tab show year or year/month summaries for FIBs. The annual maps show the same score categories for the report cards described above for each station and bay segment for the baywide assessments and for stations only for the EPCHC and Manatee County data.

The year/month maps show the sample results for each station for a more detailed view of the data in each year. The year/month summaries show the concentrations at each station using different threshold categories than the scores described above and separate the data differently depending on the dataset.

The baywide dataset year/month maps show Enterococcus concentrations separately as wet or dry samples based on whether a sample was collected after a significant amount of rain occurred prior to sampling or if dry conditions were observed. The thresholds below are then applied to both wet/dry samples:

Green: Cell concentrations < 35 CFU / 100 mL
Yellow: Cell concentrations 35 - 129 CFU / 100 mL
Orange: Cell concentrations 130 - 999 CFU / 100 mL
Red: Cell concentrations > 999 CFU / 100 mL

Similar thresholds are applied to station samples for the year/month maps for the EPCHC and Manatee County data. However, samples are not distinguished as wet/dry and the FIB varies depending on the location of the sample. Enterococcus is used for tidally-influenced locations and E. coli is used for freshwater locations.

Tidally-influenced Enterococcus thresholds for EPCHC/Manatee County year/month maps:

Green: Cell concentrations < 35 CFU / 100 mL
Yellow: Cell concentrations 35 - 129 CFU / 100 mL
Orange: Cell concentrations 130 - 999 CFU / 100 mL
Red: Cell concentrations > 999 CFU / 100 mL

Freshwater E. coli thresholds for EPCHC/Manatee County year/month maps:

Green: Cell concentrations < 126 CFU / 100 mL
Yellow: Cell concentrations 126 - 409 CFU / 100 mL
Orange: Cell concentrations 410 - 999 CFU / 100 mL
Red: Cell concentrations > 999 CFU / 100 mL

Select year:

Select area:

REPORT CARD
Using this tab

By bay segment?

The report card and maps are based on Enterococcus cell concentrations with results for bay segments and individual sampling stations. Please view the METHODS tab on the OVERVIEW page for a description of the score categories in the report card and the map summaries.

The REPORT CARD tab shows the overall score category each year for sampled locations in the bay. The row for the selected year from the slider at the top of the page is outlined in black. By default, the bay segment scores are shown. The bay segment abbreviations are as follows:

OTB: Old Tampa Bay
HB: Hillsborough Bay
MTB: Middle Tampa Bay
BCB: Boca Ciega Bay
LTB: Lower Tampa Bay
MR: Manatee River

Stations that apply to each bay segment can be shown instead by toggling the switch above the report card.

The report card is also interactive and can be zoomed by clicking the mouse and dragging to an area of interest. Reset the plot by double-clicking. An image of the report card can be saved by clicking the camera icon that is shown above the report card when the cursor is over the plot.

The MAP BY YEAR tab shows a map of the report card grades assigned each bay segment and the individual station grades for the selected year. These are the same values shown in the report card.

Placing the cursor over a bay segment or station will reveal additional information.

The MAP BY YEAR AND MONTH tab shows a map of Enterococcus concentration categories for the selected year and month. Samples are identified as occurring during wet (circles) or dry (triangles) conditions. See the METHODS tab on the OVERVIEW page for a description of the concentration thresholds.

Placing the cursor over a bay segment or station will reveal additional information.

Finally, clicking on a station on the year/month map will create an interactive popup plot for the complete time series of Enterococcus concentrations at that location. The popup plot can be closed by clicking outside the plot area.

MAP BY YEAR
MAP BY YEAR AND MONTH

Select month:

Click on a station to view a complete time series

Select year:

Select area:

REPORT CARD
Using this tab

The report card and maps are based on fecal coliform, Enterococcus, and E. Coli cell concentrations using EPCHC data with results for individual sampling stations. Please view the METHODS tab on the OVERVIEW page for a description of the score categories in the report card and the map summaries.

The displayed data for all of the graphics on this page can be selected using the year slider and area selections at the top. The year/month map tab includes an additional month slider. By default, only sampling stations in the Hillsborough and Alafia River tributary watersheds are shown. These were chosen based on state-designated bacterial impairments and efforts under the Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). Add more sampling areas from the dropdown menu. To remove an area, select it from the menu and hit the backspace key.

The REPORT CARD tab shows the overall score category each year for fecal coliform concentrations at stations in the EPCHC dataset. The row for the selected year from the slider at the top of the page is outlined in black. The stations apply to the areas chosen from the drop down at the top of the page. Bay segment summaries cannot be shown for the EPCHC because the stations represent broader sampling areas in the watershed.

The MAP BY YEAR tab shows a map of the report card grades assigned to each individual station for the selected year. These are the same values shown in the report card using fecal coliform concentrations.

Placing the cursor over a station will reveal additional information.

The MAP BY YEAR AND MONTH tab shows a map of Enterococcus and E. Coli concentration categories for the selected year and month. Tidally-influenced sampling stations use Enterococcus (circles) and freshwater sampling stations use E. coli (triangles). See the METHODS tab on the OVERVIEW page for a description of the concentration thresholds.

Placing the cursor over a station will reveal additional information.

Finally, clicking on a station on the year/month map will create an interactive popup plot for the complete time series of Enterococcus or E. Coli concentrations at that location. The popup plot can be closed by clicking outside the plot area.

MAP BY YEAR
MAP BY YEAR AND MONTH

Select month:

Click on a station to view a complete time series

Select year:

Select area:

REPORT CARD
Using this tab

The report card and maps are based on fecal coliform, Enterococcus, and E. Coli cell concentrations using Manatee County data with results for individual sampling stations. Please view the METHODS tab on the OVERVIEW page for a description of the score categories in the report card and the map summaries.

The displayed data for all of the graphics on this page can be selected using the year slider and area selections at the top. The year/month map tab includes an additional month slider. By default, only sampling stations in the Braden and Manatee Rivers are shown. Add more sampling areas from the dropdown menu. To remove an area, select it from the menu and hit the backspace key.

The REPORT CARD tab shows the overall score category each year for fecal coliform concentrations at stations in the Manatee County dataset. The row for the selected year from the slider at the top of the page is outlined in black. The stations apply to the areas chosen from the drop down at the top of the page. Bay segment summaries cannot be shown for the Manatee County data because the stations represent broader sampling areas not appriopriate for evaluating bay segments.

Placing the cursor over a station will reveal additional information.

MAP BY YEAR
MAP BY YEAR AND MONTH

Select month:

Click on a station to view a complete time series

DOWNLOAD
METADATA

Select type:

Select year range:

Summarized score categories or raw FIB data are described below with each dataset described based on the download options in the previous tab. Data provided on the dashboard are made available for exploratory purposes only.

Baywide segment score categories: Tampa Bay FIB score categories summarized by bay segment

Year: Year of the assessment
bay_segment: Abbreviated name for the bay segment
- OTB: Old Tampa Bay
- HB: Hillsborough Bay
- MTB: Middle Tampa Bay
- LTB: Lower Tampa Bay
- BCB: Boca Ciega Bay
- MR: Manatee River
Geometric mean: Geometric mean of Enterococcus cell concentrations #/100 mL
Score category: A, B, C, D, or E from Microbial Water Quality Assessment (MWQA) categories, where breakpoints are <10%, 10-30%, 30-50%, 50-75%, and >75% as the likelihood of exceeding 130 CFU / 100 mL for Enterococcus in a given year.

Baywide station score categories: Tampa Bay FIB score categories summarized by station

Year: Year of the assessment
Station: Station name
Geometric mean: Geometric mean of Enterococcus cell concentrations #/100 mL
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84
Score category: A, B, C, D, or E from Microbial Water Quality Assessment (MWQA) categories, where breakpoints are <10%, 10-30%, 30-50%, 50-75%, and >75% as the likelihood of exceeding 130 CFU / 100 mL for Enterococcus in a given year.

Baywide raw data: Raw FIB data for Tampa Bay

date: Date of the sample
Year: Year of the sample
Month: Month of the sample
bay_segment: Abbreviated name for the bay segment
- OTB: Old Tampa Bay
- HB: Hillsborough Bay
- MTB: Middle Tampa Bay
- LTB: Lower Tampa Bay
- BCB: Boca Ciega Bay
- MR: Manatee River
Station: Station name
entero: Enterococcus cell concentration, #/100 mL
entero_censored: logical if the value in entero is at the MDL
MDL: Method detection limit for Enterococcus, #/100 mL
entero_units: Units for the Enterococcus cell concentration
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84

Hillsborough County station score categories: Hillsborough County FIB score categories summarized by station

Year: Year of the assessment
Station: Hillsborough County station name
Geometric mean: Geometric mean of fecal coliform cell concentrations
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84
Score category: A, B, C, D, or E from Microbial Water Quality Assessment (MWQA) categories, where breakpoints are <10%, 10-30%, 30-50%, 50-75%, and >75% as the likelihood of exceeding 400 CFU / 100 mL for fecal coliform in a given year.

Hillsborough County raw data: Raw Hillsborough County FIB data

area: Hillsborough County sampling area - Alafia River, Alafia River Tributary, Big Bend, Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay Tributary, East Lake Outfall, Hillsborough Bay, Hillsborough Bay Tributary, Hillsborough River, Hillsborough River Tributary, Lake Roberta, Lake Thonotosassa, Lake Thonotosassa Tributary, Little Manatee River, Little Manatee River Tributary, Lower Tampa Bay, McKay Bay, McKay Bay Tributary, Middle Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay Tributary, Old Tampa Bay, Old Tampa Bay Tributary, Palm River, Palm River Tributary, Tampa Bypass Canal, Tampa Bypass Canal Tributary, Valrico Lake
Station: Hillsborough County station name
class: Water body class as fresh (3F, 1) or tidal (3M, 2)
SampleTime: Time of sample
Year: Year of sample
Month: Month of sample
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84
ecoli: E. coli cell concentration as #/100 mL
ecoli_q: E. coli cell concentration quality flag, see qualifier description tab here{target=’_blank’}
entero: Enterococcus cell concentration as #/100 mL
entero_q: Enterococcus cell concentration quality flag, see link above
fcolif: Fecal coliform cell concentration as #/100 mL
fcolif_q: Fecal coliform cell concentration quality flag, see link above

Manatee County station score categories: Manatee County FIB score categories summarized by station

Year: Year of the assessment
Station: Manatee County station name
Geometric mean: Geometric mean of fecal coliform cell concentrations
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84
Score category: A, B, C, D, or E from Microbial Water Quality Assessment (MWQA) categories, where breakpoints are <10%, 10-30%, 30-50%, 50-75%, and >75% as the likelihood of exceeding 400 CFU / 100 mL for fecal coliform in a given year.

Manatee County raw data: Raw Manatee County FIB data

area: Manatee County sampling area - Big Slough, Bowlees Creek, Braden River, Bud Slough, Clay Gully, Frog Creek, Gap Creek, Little Manatee River, Lower Tampa Bay, Manatee River, Mcmullen Creek, Mud Lake Slough, Myakka River, Palma Sola Bay, or Piney Point Creek
Station: Manatee County station name
SampleTime: Time of sample
class: Water body class as Estuary or Fresh
Year: Year of sample
Month: Month of sample
Latitude: Station latitude, WGS84
Longitude: Station longitude, WGS84
var: Indicator as ecoli for E. coli, entero for Enterococcus, fcolif for fecal coliform, and totcol for total coliform
val: Cell concentration
uni: Units for the cell concentration
qual: Quality flag for the cell concentration