The Okaloosa County Health Department has lifted a health advisory for Boggy Bayou in Valparaiso after water sampling showed bacterial levels have fallen below the advisory threshold.
- The advisory was issued following an overnight sewer leak that contaminated the bayou on July 4. The Niceville Police Department initially warned the public to stay out of the water, citing serious health risks from the contamination.
“The public is urged to stay out of Boggy Bayou until further notice,” the police department said in its original public safety alert. “An overnight sewer leak has contaminated the water, posing serious health risks.”
The department warned residents not to swim, wade, fish or allow pets in the water, and to avoid all contact until the area was cleared by health and environmental authorities. Warning signs were posted at Lions Park in Niceville.
DOH-Okaloosa announced Tuesday that sampling of waters in the area showed bacterial levels have dropped below the advisory level, allowing the health advisory to be lifted.
