3 Okaloosa County parks with disease-causing bacteria in the water: DOH
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Water at three local parks shows signs of disease-causing bacteria, according to the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County.
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DOH Okaloosa has issued water quality alerts for these locations:
Liza Jackson Park at 388 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach
Lincoln Park at 1217 N Bayshore Drive, Valparaiso
Rocky Bayou State Park at 4281 E Highway 20, Niceville
Officials say tests completed on March 18 showed water quality at the locations did not meet the criteria for recreational water quality due to the amount of Enterococcus bacteria.
What are Enterococci bacteria?
The Environmental Protection Agency notes, “Enterococci are bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and therefore indicate possible contamination of streams and rivers by fecal waste.”
DOH Okaloosa says they advise against water activities due to the increased risk of illness due to the presence of the bacteria.
“Enterococci are indicators of the presence of fecal material in water and, therefore, of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These pathogens can sicken swimmers and others who use rivers and streams for recreation or eat raw shellfish or fish,” explains the EPA.
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This advisory will be in place until the bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.
To find the test results for these locations, visit Florida Health’s website.
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