Okaloosa County Health Department issues health advisory following wastewater spill in Fort Walton Beach

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Okaloosa County Health Department has issued a health advisory after an estimated 10,600 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled in Fort Walton Beach Saturday night.

DOH-Okaloosa officials issued the advisory for Bass Lake and Dons Bayou in Fort Walton Beach. They said waters contaminated with wastewater presents several health hazards to humans and may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastro-intestinal and other diseases.

Officials say that anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. They added that children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so they should take every precaution if they do come in contact with the affected waters.

Drinking water is reportedly not affected

DOH-Okaloosa officials said that city staff with the City of Fort Walton Beach are testing the water, and they will send out an alert once it is safe and health advisory will be lifted.

To learn more about potential health effects of wastewater overflow, click here.

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