The Okaloosa Health Department has issued a health advisory for Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay near Highway 98 because of wastewater releases from sewer manholes in Fort Walton Beach.
Drinking water is not affected by the advisory, the city said.
Health risks
Waters contaminated with wastewater may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastrointestinal and other diseases, according to the release.
Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.
Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to disease, and every precaution should be taken if they come into contact with the affected waters, according to the release.
When the advisory will be lifted
The City of Fort Walton Beach is monitoring and testing water quality. The advisory will be lifted once satisfactory results are achieved, and the city will announce it in a future press release.
