Panama City, Fla. –The City of Panama City is reporting a release of 31,250 gallons of raw sewage. This is from a broken force main due to contractor error. The release entered a canal that feeds into Pretty Bayou. Cleanup actions have been completed

 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 against swimming in Pretty Bayou or the canal feeding into it from Frankford Ave to the Shoreline Circle Boat Ramp. The City of Panama City will test the water and share results with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Bay County Health Department. 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.

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 Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.