Several beaches in Bay County are under a health advisory due to water quality
Carl Gray Park, Earl Gilbert Park, Laguna Beach and the Panama City Beach City Pier were all ranked as poor for levels of enterococcus bacteria.
Carl Gray Park has been under an advisory since July 21. The advisory is new for all other affected locations.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is advising against any water-related activities at these locations.
Enterococci bacteria live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and are used as an indicator of potential fecal contamination of surface waters. The Environmental Protection Agency says leaky septic systems, stormwater runoff, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, discharge from boats, and agricultural runoff are all sources of fecal indicator bacteria.
The News Herald previously reported that aging wastewater infrastructure in Bay County can sometimes lead to sanitary sewer overflows, especially during extreme rain events.
While the bacteria itself isn't harmful to people, it indicates that other pathogens that can cause sickness are present. Swimming isn't the only way to be exposed; eating raw fish or shellfish from affected waters can also cause illness.
Being in affected waters could lead to gastrointestinal disease, infections, or rashes, according to the Florida Healthy Beaches Program.
Bay County advises residents to have septic tanks pumped and inspected every three to five years to prevent leaking. They also ask that pet waste be flushed or thrown into the garbage.
The county also advises that lawn chemicals be used wisely and that fertilizer be used sparingly. They say that excess fertilizer flows downstream and often results in algae blooms in ponds and lakes.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bacteria levels spur health advisories on Bay County beaches
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