Press Release

Walton County Bi-Weekly Beach Sampling Results No Advisories Issued for This Sampling Period 10-19-23

October 19, 2023 2 min read
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By Patti Roberts

Contact:
Patti Roberts
850-892-8015
Patricia.Roberts@FLHealth.gov

Walton County – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of September. The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which 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. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant coastal beach water quality problems and whether future beach monitoring efforts are necessary. 

SiteNameEnterococciWater Quality
SP-0Grady Brown Park30Good
SP-1Miramar Beach10Good
SP-3Dune Allen Beach20Good
SP-4Blue Mountain Beach10Good
SP-5Grayton Beach10Good
SP-8Eastern Lake Beach10Good
SP-9Inlet Beach Access10Good

Water quality classifications are based upon United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended criteria and Florida Healthy Beaches Program Categories:

Good = 0 – 35 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water

Moderate = 36 – 70 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water

Poor = 71 or greater Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine water

If you should have any questions, please contact DOH-Walton at 850-892-8021 or visit the Florida Department of Health’s Beach Water Quality website.


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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