NICEVILLE — The health advisory issued by the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County for the waters of Rocky Bayou in Niceville has been lifted. Sampling resulted in bacterial levels below the advisory level.
The health advisory issued for Bolton Branch remains in effect near Niceville.
Additional sampling is being conducted in this area after untreated sewage entered Bolton Branch following a lift station failure.
Waters contaminated with wastewater overflow presents several health hazards to humans and may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastro-intestinal and other diseases.
Anyone who comes into contact with the water from Bolton Branch should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters.
For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, residents and visitors are encouraged to contact DOH-Okaloosa at 833-9247 or www.healthyokaloosa.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UPDATE: Health alert lifted for Niceville area after wastewater spill