Due to a high concentration of a fecal indicator bacterium, four nearby beaches are under health advisories. The Panama City Beach City Pier, Laguna Beach, Carl Gray Park, and Earl Gilbert Park were all classified as having low amounts of enterococcus bacteria. Since July 21, Carl Gray Park has been under an advisory. For all other impacted places, the advisory is new. Bay County’s Florida Department of Health is warning against engaging in any water-related activities at these sites.
Warm-blooded animals’ intestines are home to enterococci bacteria, which are utilized as a marker for possible fecal pollution of surface waters. Fecal indicator bacteria are found in stormwater runoff, sewage treatment plant effluent, boat discharge, agricultural runoff, and leaky septic systems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Sanitary sewage overflows can occasionally result from Bay County’s deteriorating wastewater infrastructure, particularly during periods of intense precipitation, according to a recent News Herald article.
Although the bacteria isn’t dangerous to humans, it does signal the presence of other infections that can make people sick. In addition to swimming, eating raw fish or shellfish from contaminated waterways can also expose one to the toxins. The Florida Healthy Beaches Program states that exposure to impacted waterways may result in rashes, infections, or gastrointestinal disorders. To stop leaks, Bay County recommends that homeowners have their septic tanks drained and examined every three to five years. Additionally, they request that pet waste be disposed of in the trash or flushed.
Additionally, the county recommends using fertilizer sparingly and lawn chemicals sparingly. Excess fertilizer is said to migrate downstream and frequently causes algae blooms in lakes and ponds.
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