Panama City, Fla. –The City of Springfield is reporting a release of 2,500 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to an equipment malfunction at a lift station in the 4000 block of 12^th Court. The release entered a storm drain that feeds into Russ Lake. 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 Russ Lake between E. 7^th Street to E. 11^th Street. The City of Springfield is testing the water and will 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.

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