PANAMA CITY— The Florida Department of Health in Bay County has issued water quality advisories for fecal indicator bacteria at five local beaches.
The following locations are under advisories for high levels of enterococcus bacteria:
The Department of Health is advising against entering the water at these locations. Advisories will remain in place until bacteria levels are below the accepted health standards.
Meanwhile, Carl Gray Park in Panama City has had its Aug. 12 advisory lifted.
Enterococci bacteria live in the digestive systems of mammals and can indicate fecal contamination in the water. The Environmental Protection Agency says leaky septic systems, stormwater runoff, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, discharge from boats and agricultural runoff are all sources of fecal indicator bacteria.
The News Herald previously reported that aging wastewater infrastructure in Bay County can sometimes lead to sanitary sewer overflows, especially during extreme weather events.
Enterococci bacteria aren’t harmful, but their presence means that there could be pathogens present that are. Eating raw fish or shellfish from affected waters can also cause illness.
According to the Florida Healthy Beaches Program, swimming in affected waters could lead to gastrointestinal disease, infections or rashes.
Bay County issues guidance for ways local residents can help preserve water quality. They suggest that septic tanks should be pumped and inspected to prevent leakage every three to five years.
Authorities also advise fertilizer be used sparingly and lawn chemicals be used with discretion. Fertilizer flows downstream and can cause algae blooms.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Fecal indicator bacteria prompt water quality advisories at five Bay County beaches
Reporting by Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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