Why Is Clearwater Beach Water Brown?

Sea Sawdust or Trichodesmium which is just a blue green algae occasionally shows up at every ocean beach. Strong offshore winds can increase the chances of its appearance, usually this is why Clearwater Beach has brown water.

Clearwater Beach

Does Clearwater Beach Brown Water Affect Marine Life Or Florida Fish?

No not at all. Trichodesmium actually plays a critical part in the aquatic food chain. Most of the time it is only present for the first few feet of depth and if you dive 4 or 5 feet deep the water is again crystal clear. Can it persist? If no strong winds are pushing it onshore and the current is friendly it can go away or at least not be such an eyesore. Unfortunately it can also last for over a month and my advice is to just avoid getting in it but if you do just shower off.

Rarely will sea sawdust be at its' worst at Clearwater Beach. However it is possible at Florida beaches. It can appear as fairly dark brown water in the Tampa Bay area and even have a slightly fishy smell from the water surface. Still it is not considered to be a toxic algae and you should be absolutely fine as long as you do not drink it or spend a prolonged time in the discolored water. If you do you may have some skin irritation. Many swimming in the brown water get out and go on with their visit without any issues.

Clearwater Beach & Brown Water Causes

The most common cause of brown water is of course rough seas or dirty bay water coming out with the low tide. As Clearwater Harbor Changes or rather exchanges some of the bay water for fresh ocean water you will notice the color change in the tidal flow. Stormwater runoff can also give Clearwater Beach a brown color but has little to do with the water quality other than water color.

Clearwater Hotels like the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites would not be here is brown water was a major concern. Florida beaches are amazing and Clearwater Beach is a renowned vacation destination on the gulf coast and considered one of the best beaches in America. Rest assured this is a beautiful area with amazing quartz white sand and I will see you soon at Clearwater Beach FL.