Okaloosa County health officials warn residents after wastewater release

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is warning residents and visitors of health risks following a wastewater release in Fort Walton Beach.

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A health advisory is now issued for Bass Lake and Dons Bayou, according to a press release. Drinking water is not affected by the advisory, the release said.

Officials explained that the advisory comes after 10,600 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled over and 9,000 gallons entered the surface waters of Bass Lake.

“Waters contaminated with wastewater present several health hazards to humans and may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastro-intestinal and other
diseases,” the release said. “Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.”

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According to the release, the City of Fort Walton Beach is performing water quality monitoring and testing and the health advisory will be lifted once “satisfactory results are achieved.”

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