Water Quality Update for Okaloosa & Walton Counties

Our team has been receiving questions about the water quality along the Emerald Coast’s beaches. These questions have arisen due to a television broadcast in Atlanta that indicated our beaches are closed. This is not true. All beaches are currently open. 

The Florida Health Department conducts water quality testing every Monday and results are posted mid-week. Water quality changes daily depending on current conditions, including tides, rainfall, etc.

The water testing results from Monday, June 27 and July 5, showed higher than normal levels of enterococci bacteria at some water testing locations along the Emerald Coast. Enterococci is NOT flesh eating bacteria. This bacteria is always present along our shores and we’re unsure what caused the higher levels. It is important to note that the risk of this bacteria causing serious illness is minimal. It may cause infections or rashes or illness for those with weakened immune systems. 

Water quality tests are conducted weekly. Click here for current water quality test results for Okaloosa and Walton Counties.  

Here’s what you should know: Swimmers should use the same precautions they normally use when entering any body of water, including lakes, streams and the Gulf. Do not ingest the water. If you have a weakened immune system, consider not entering the water. If you have open wounds, consider limiting contact with the water and cleaning the wound thoroughly after existing the water.

Most locations are reporting “Good” to “Moderate” water quality. For beaches reporting “Poor” water quality, it is important to understand that this is a “health advisory” is not the same as a “no swim advisory.” Swimmers should use normal precautions. Concerned guests may travel to beaches reporting “good” water quality or swim at your vacation rental’s designated swimming pool. Guests may also cool down at Big Kahuna’s Waterpark. Guests of Newman-Dailey receive one free adult admission to Big Kahuna’s each day of your stay as part of the Newman-Dailey Gift Card.

For additional questions, contact the local health department:
Florida Department of Health – Okaloosa County at 850-833-9240 
Florida Department of Health - Walton County at (850) 892-8040

See you @ the beach!

*Photo taken on the beach at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort on July 7, 2016 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Thursday, July 7, 2016