The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a health advisory for Boggy Bayou in Valparaiso following a wastewater release. The advisory covers the area from Howell Road to Lincoln Park.
- Health officials emphasize that drinking water is not affected by this advisory.
The contaminated waters pose several health risks to humans, potentially containing untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastrointestinal and other diseases. DOH-Okaloosa advises anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway to wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.
“Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease,” a DOH-Okaloosa said in a press release. “Every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters.”
The City of Valparaiso is conducting water quality monitoring and testing. The health advisory will remain in effect until satisfactory results are achieved, at which point it will be lifted through a future press release.
Residents and visitors seeking more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow can contact DOH-Okaloosa at (850) 833-9247 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.
