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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
PORTION OF WATSON BAYOU UNDER ADVISORY AFTER RAW SEWAGE RELEASE
August 18, 2021
Panama City, Fla. – The City of Panama City is reporting three separate releases totaling approximately 50,474 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to three lift stations overflowing because of heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Fred, one at 1213 North Palo Alto Ave., one at 1710 Business Highway 98, and one at 818 East 7th Court. The releases entered Watson Bayou.
Sewage contamination of water can expose swimmers to intestinal viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Swimming in the water may cause symptoms like food poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea. Infection is possible in open cuts and wounds that come in contact with the water.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County, DOH-Bay, advises againstswimming in Watson Bayou from East 8th Street south to East 3rd Street until furthernotice. The City of Panama City will test the water and share results with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health in Bay County. Once levels are safe, the advisory will be lifted.
For more information, contact the DOH-Bay’s Environmental Health office at 850-481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.
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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.
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