May 22, 2019
Contact:
Crystal Steele
Crystal.Steele@flhealth.gov
850-892-8021 Ext. 6365
Walton County — Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is rescinding the May 8, 2019 health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. DOH Walton feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels. We will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely advise the public of our results. For more information, contact the DOH Walton at 850-892- 8021.
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County monitors monthly water samples submitted by public bathing places during their operation season. The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (fecal coliform enterococci or E. coli) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and warm- blooded animals and indicate the presence of pathogens which may cause swimming related diseases including gastrointestinal disease, ear and eye ailments, and skin rashes and infections. The presence of fecal indicator bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, domestic pets, wildlife, and human waste (sewage).
Sampling is also conducted by other county health departments at marine beaches and results can be found at Department of Health’s Beach Water Quality website at www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (850) 892- 8021.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
