Florida Department of Health in Bay County Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program 

August 9, 2016

Florida Department of Health in Bay County Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program
New advisory issued, one advisory continued

Contact:
Heather Kretzer
850-872-4455, ext. 1344
heather.kretzer@flhealth.gov

Panama City, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Bay County conducts saltwater beach water quality monitoring in accordance with the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Water samples are collected twice a month between March and October. The samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and may cause human disease, infections or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.  Poor results are posted as an “Advisory” at the affected beaches and those beaches are re-sampled the following week.

An advisory has been issued for the Delwood (SP 8) location. The advisory for the Beach Drive (SP 10) location is still in effect.

If you have any questions, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Bay County at 872-4455 ext. 1268, or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website (https://www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/beach-water-quality/index.html).

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.

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