FORT WALTON BEACH — Four Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated Aug. 26.
Emerald Promenade and Wayside Park, both on Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; and Lincoln Park, Valparaiso failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.
Only one park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, had a moderate rating this week.
Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Four Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water