June 30, 2016

WALTON COUNTY BEACH SAMPLING RESULTS
~Miramar Beach Access Health Advisory Lifted, Blue Mountain Beach Access Health Advisory Still In Effect~

Contact:
Crystal Steele
Crystal.Steele@flhealth.gov
850-892-8021 Ext. 1139

Walton County – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October. 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. 

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

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

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

The Health Advisory for the Miramar Beach Access has been lifted.  The water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels.

The Health Advisory Blue Mountain Beach Access is still in effect based on the enterococci standard recommended by the EPA.  This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public.

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 www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/beach-water-quality/index.html.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. 

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