Fort Walton Beach-area waterway returns to normal use after elevated Enterococcus levels decline
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – A stretch of Cinco Bayou that recently showed troubling signs, discolored water, a sulfur-like smell and distressed marine life, has been cleared for normal recreational use again.
The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has lifted its bacteria advisory after new water samples showed Enterococcus levels had dropped below the threshold that triggers public health restrictions.
The advisory was issued in early August after testing found elevated bacteria in the Fort Walton Beach-area waterway. Residents and visitors were told to avoid swimming and other activities involving direct contact with the water. Drinking water supplies were never affected.
Concerns began around Aug. 3, when unusual conditions were reported in Cinco Bayou, particularly between Beal Parkway and Eglin Parkway. County Commissioner Trey Goodwin described fish floating belly-up, crabs leaving the water, eels climbing seawalls and flounder appearing to try to beach themselves.
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Low dissolved oxygen was identified as one factor placing stress on aquatic life.
Okaloosa County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Fort Walton Beach’s marine sciences group responded by collecting water samples and examining possible sources. Stormwater outfalls and lift stations were checked, but officials did not identify one definitive cause such as a major sewage spill.
Samples collected Aug. 3, followed by additional testing around Aug. 5, confirmed elevated Enterococcus bacteria. Enterococcus is commonly used as an indicator of possible fecal contamination in saltwater and brackish environments. Higher concentrations can signal an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness and other waterborne disease for people coming into contact with the water.
During the advisory, health officials urged people to stay out of the affected portion of the bayou and recommended that anyone exposed to the water wash thoroughly, particularly before eating or drinking. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems were considered more vulnerable.
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That restriction has now been removed.
DOH-Okaloosa said the latest sampling shows the water once again meets recreational standards. Okaloosa County will continue routine monitoring because conditions can change, including after heavy rainfall increases runoff into local waterways.
Cinco Bayou, used for boating, fishing and other recreation near Fort Walton Beach, is therefore back under normal water-quality guidance.
Residents or visitors with questions about water quality or possible health effects associated with bacteria can contact the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County at (850) 833-9247 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.
