FT. WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a health advisory for Joe’s Bayou in Destin due to a wastewater release. Drinking water is not affected by this advisory.

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. Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters.

Destin Water Users is performing water quality monitoring and testing, and once satisfactory results are achieved, the health advisory will be lifted through a future press release.
For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, residents and visitors are encouraged to contact DOH-Okaloosa at (850) 833-9247 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

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