Water Quality Results

[AimsBH]

What's up with the fecal bacteria? Any idea how long this will be around? Don't want to spend our vacation next week being able to look but not touch

[Beach Runner]

To answer your question, it's a dynamic situation. Who knows what the water quality, weather, rip tide, biting fly, red tide, shark, jellyfish, seaweed, etc., conditions will be on any given week? You have to roll the dice and keep yourself informed.

To get specific info about beach water quality, keep yourself informed at http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i...?county=Walton . This website says they sample once a week, although sometimes they resample (like at Eastern Lake last week).

Check the thread about septic tanks for more info.

[AimsBH]

I spoke to the dept of health in Walton County and they indicated they had re-tested yesterday and would have the results today. I'm not sure if I should be optimistic about the rain and hope it has washed it out or worry that more ground water will cause more sewer leakage.... :| We've dealt with the seaweed and jellyfish plenty of times, but I'm not sure what to do with water that could make you sick by swimming in it. Especially with 4 small kiddos.

[lenzoe]

Here's a FAQ from Okaloosa's Department of Health site:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdokaloo...s_June2012.pdf

[...]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGARDING BEACH WATER QUALITY
- June 2012 -
What is the Healthy Beaches program?
Coastal beach water samples are collected in Florida every two weeks by county health departments. The
samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. High concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the
presence of microorganisms that could cause disease, infections, or rashes. County health departments
will issue health advisories when these conditions are confirmed.
What are enterococci?
Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestine of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Because
these bacteria are easy to detect and commonly found in animal and human waste, they are used as
indicators of recreational water quality conditions. Enterococci are the organisms that the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using to measure bacteria leves in recreational
water.
What causes the health department to issue an advisory?
Swimming in natural water bodies is always at your own risk, regardless of whether an advisory is issued.
If the health department has issued an advisory, it is because enterococci bacteria have exceeded the
acceptable level.
Can I swim or wade in the water when an advisory is posted?
That is your personal decision. The Health Department is advising you to not enter the water if the beach
is under an advisory. There is a risk of illness from contacting beach water with elevated bacteria levels in
several ways: by ingesting water, by getting water in the nose, eyes, and ears, or by water making contact
with an open wound.
For the vast majority of people, the risk of serious illness is minimal. An otherwise healthy person may
have no problems with contact with the water of a beach that is under advisory. Some may experience a
minor inflammation of a cut, a mild sore throat, or mild diarrhea after exposure to water from a beach
under advisory. The greatest risk is for very young children, the elderly and people who have
compromised immune systems since their ability to fight off infection is limited by age or disease.
Swimming in natural water bodies is always at your own risk. Natural bodies of water contain bacteria,
viruses, and other microorganisms at various levels. This advisory is for elevated bacteria levels only.
Please note that the samples were taken at the beginning of the week and reflect the water quality at that
time and are limited to the specific beach area.
Water turbidity (water cloudiness) is a good indicator of water quality. The cloudier the water the greater
the chance the bacteria level is elevated. The clearer the water the lower the bacteria count. Use good
judgment when deciding to swim in natural bodies of water.
Is it OK to eat crabs & fish from an area that is under advisory or closed to swimming?
Cooking kills bacteria and viruses, so it is generally okay to eat crabs and fish taken from these areas --
as long as they are handled properly. Fish should be washed with freshwater, kept in a cool place on ice
and then cooked thoroughly. After cooking, neither the crabs nor fish should come back into contact with
any surfaces or containers in which they were kept uncooked.
Are the beaches closed when there is an advisory?
No, the beaches are not closed. Page 2/2
What should I do after coming in contact with natural bodies of water?
Shower and wash your hands well with soap and warm water soon after swimming and before eating and
drinking. While on the beach use hand sanitizer or hand wipes before eating or drinking.
When will the local health department lift an advisory or closure?
An advisory is lifted after results are back to normal.
What do the signs look like, and where can they be located on our beaches?
Visit the Okaloosa County Health Department’s website, www.HealthyOkaloosa.com, and click on the
“Healthy Beaches” link.
[...]

[Jdarg]

Something tells me we have a better chance of getting sick from touching shopping carts and using public restrooms than we do swimming in the Gulf. Just a hunch.

[Zebraspots]

I don't worry about swallowing water that can make me sick, contaminated water getting in my nose or eyes, or cuts getting infected when using a shopping cart or restroom.

[AimsBH]

Thanks, Lenzoe. Good info.

And I dunno, JDarg, I think I'd rather take my chances with every days germs that I can wipe down with a clorox wipe instead of an ocean full of fecal bacteria. I'm not sure I've seen a clorox wipe that big :) I do understand that $hit happens - in this case literally - but knowingly sticking my kids in water that is posted hazardous isn't on my bucket list. Luckily the home we rented has a big pool and we always have fun on 30-a with our bikes and all the fun little shops. We're still coming and going to make the best of it!

[AimsBH]

I don't worry about swallowing water that can make me sick, contaminated water getting in my nose or eyes, or cuts getting infected when using a shopping cart or restroom.

totally agree :) Definitely on a different scale of magnitude.

[Beach Runner]

Thanks, Lenzoe. Good info.

And I dunno, JDarg, I think I'd rather take my chances with every days germs that I can wipe down with a clorox wipe instead of an ocean full of fecal bacteria. I'm not sure I've seen a clorox wipe that big :) I do understand that $hit happens - in this case literally - but knowingly sticking my kids in water that is posted hazardous isn't on my bucket list. Luckily the home we rented has a big pool and we always have fun on 30-a with our bikes and all the fun little shops. We're still coming and going to make the best of it!

From my experience pool cleaners don't service pools on the weekend. Our service day is Monday. So that means that if someone checks out on Saturday, the pool doesn't get cleaned until Monday. So when you check in and the pool looks cloudy, don't go into the water. Call the rental management company and demand that the pool gets cleaned ASAP so you don't have to wait until Monday (or later, depending on the schedule) to have a clean pool. You might want to buy a pool testing kit. You can get them at the pool supply place on 331 just north of the bridge.

Right now we are in-between beach houses. So we plan to buy a pool testing kit so we can check the water quality before we get into a community pool. The worst problem with community pools is baby poop in diapers.

[Scooter]

The beaches of south walton can't be beat. But there is sooooo much more to experience. Go to the beach and have a grayt time!!!!

[Jdarg]

You are missing my point- i still contend that we have a better chance of getting sick out of the Gulf than in it, so before there is mass panic that the Gulf is always dirty here, let's keep a little perspective. There is not an epidemic of sickness happening from the water quality, or the local health professionals would be weighing in on it.

Headed to Grayton today- hopefully the salt water will fix the coughing, sore throat, and stuffy head plaguing my family! it is this stuff that really seems to be going around!

[lenzoe]

You are missing my point- i still contend that we have a better chance of getting sick out of the Gulf than in it, so before there is mass panic that the Gulf is always dirty here, let's keep a little perspective. There is not an epidemic of sickness happening from the water quality, or the local health professionals would be weighing in on it.

Headed to Grayton today- hopefully the salt water will fix the coughing, sore throat, and stuffy head plaguing my family! it is this stuff that really seems to be going around!

I agree. I thought one notable thing mentioned in the Okaloosa health FAQ was that a normal, healthy individual probably wouldn't see any difference just carrying on as normal. In the event us sickly types pick up *anything*, the described likely symptoms were really mild.

Around Atlanta, people play around in the Chatahoochee every day. The vast majority of those people are fine.

[mputnal3]

My point is that we can make our water quality better if that is our goal and I think it is. We can all make a difference by using less fertilizers and pesticides and herbicides to run off into the Bay and Gulf. We should at least have a feasible option to connect to municipal sewer and right now that option does not exist for many of us. If we have a major rain event like just hit most of Florida and we get 10 or more inches of rain the water quality will take a nose dive from septic tanks that fill up and overflow. We can not control the rain but we can make better choices in whether we spend our money on marketing studies or advertising or infrastructure. We need a good debate on our priorities...

[Zebraspots]

Is there any correlation between the recent boil water notices and these sampling results? The 2 areas they issued the boil water notices for the other week are very close to the 2 sampling sites of concern this week.

[NotDeadYet]

Is there any correlation between the recent boil water notices and these sampling results? The 2 areas they issued the boil water notices for the other week are very close to the 2 sampling sites of concern this week.

No. I live in the area where the boil water notice was. There was a water main break just east of Cassine, someone was digging and broke the main. Whenever there is a break like that a boil water notice is issued as a precaution as it is considered a 'compromise' of the water supply system. Contamination could have entered the system at the break point and/or during the repair. I think in actual practice the chlorine and the dilution are usually sufficient but they follow standard procedure, and it might even be mandated. So no connection. We get a lot of water line breaks around here and there is always a boil water notice. Never heard of anyone getting sick from one of these, and lots of people never hear about the boil water notice.

[Jdarg]

My point is that we can make our water quality better if that is our goal and I think it is. We can all make a difference by using less fertilizers and pesticides and herbicides to run off into the Bay and Gulf. We should at least have a feasible option to connect to municipal sewer and right now that option does not exist for many of us. If we have a major rain event like just hit most of Florida and we get 10 or more inches of rain the water quality will take a nose dive from septic tanks that fill up and overflow. We can not control the rain but we can make better choices in whether we spend our money on marketing studies or advertising or infrastructure. We need a good debate on our priorities...

Yes. Thank you.

[JoBu]

A pretty decent article explaining many factors that can affect the water quality at beaches: http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw...on-sources.asp I would copy\paste the article, but its kinda long.

Enjoyed a perfect week at Seaside last week, not once thinking about the quality of the ocean water. Didn't know i needed to worry. Anyway, our family had a great time in y'alls little slice of paradise.

[zretttig]

Less tourists in water=less fecal matter.

[NotDeadYet]

Poor results again.

The Walton County Health Department conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The water samples are being 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 stormwater 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.

Site	Name	Enterococci	Water Quality
SP-1	Miramar Beach	148	Poor
SP-3	Dune Allen Beach	248	Poor
SP-4	Blue Mountain Beach	152	Poor
SP-5	Grayton Beach	12	Good
SP-7	Holly Street Beach	192	Poor
SP-8	Eastern Lake Beach	40	Moderate
SP-9	Inlet Beach Access	44	Moderate

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 per 100 ml of marine
Moderate = 36 – 104 Enterococci per 100 ml of marine water
Poor = greater than 105 Enterococci per 100 ml of marine water
Health Advisories have been issued for the Miramar Beach Access, Dune Allen Beach Access, Blue Mountain Beach Access and the Holley Street Beach Access 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 the Walton County Health Department of (850) 892-8021, or visit the Department of Health’s internet Beach Water Quality website (www.doh.state.fl.us, click on “Floridians and Visitors” – under “Food, Water, Air, Land,” choose “Beach Water Quality.”

[Jdarg]

My first guess (actually engineer Bdarg who knows quite a bit about the environmental stuff) says with all the rain, stormwater runoff will mess up the water.

[NotDeadYet]

My first guess (actually engineer Bdarg who knows quite a bit about the environmental stuff) says with all the rain, stormwater runoff will mess up the water.

Why is there Enterococci bacteria in the stormwater? And why is untreated stormwater going into the Gulf?

[Jdarg]

Why is there Enterococci bacteria in the stormwater? And why is untreated stormwater going into the Gulf?

Good question. Last bad water testing was the week after the huge rains and flooding west of us. There is a lot of crap in stormwater- nasty stuff. And plain old runoff from yards, farms, all land touching waterways that flow into the Gulf. The possibilities are kind of endless.

[mputnal3]

There is no way around it as these levels mean we have some issues with sewage. Rains and flooding are bringing the problem to the Gulf, lakes and bay. This bacteria comes from our digestive system and into our septic systems and sewer systems. These tests are warning signs that are giving us an opportunity to discuss the issue and correct the problem with the appropriate infrastructure.

[mputnal3]

One thing we can all do is pick up our pets poop!

[meowracer]

...and get rid of all septic systems along the beach.

[Jdarg]

There is not a lot we can do about the much larger populations to our west- a lot of the "bad stuff" is from their runoff from what I am hearing.

[NotDeadYet]

There is not a lot we can do about the much larger populations to our west- a lot of the "bad stuff" is from their runoff from what I am hearing.

Maybe, but the water test results from Okaloosa County from one day before ours posted above do not seem to indicate this.
http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i...ounty=Okaloosa

There are a lot of septic tanks left in SoWal. I'm with meowracer, they ought to go.
And I would like to see inspection reports and ground water sampling around lift stations and low pressure sewer lines.

Until we know for sure, I don't think it's smart to just shrug and blame it on somewhere else.
Next thing you know, when we get a strong current alongshore out of the east, folks to the west of us will be pointing their fingers this direction. We all need to take responsibility for our own contributions. I have a hard time thinking septic systems right along the Gulf are not contributing. Many of them are old. Who knows how well they are still functioning?

[lenzoe]

Good question. Last bad water testing was the week after the huge rains and flooding west of us. There is a lot of crap in stormwater- nasty stuff. And plain old runoff from yards, farms, all land touching waterways that flow into the Gulf. The possibilities are kind of endless.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just the week after the big flooding. There were poor test results for different Walton County beaches on 6/26, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, and again in the retest on 8/9. Blue Mountain Beach and Holly Street seem to be reporting poor results the most frequently.

[Jdarg]

I am not an expert, and I know the septic systems are not good, but I can't believe there are so many that a huge body of water like the Gulf would have bad testing based just on the septics. I can see the lakes having a problem more.

But, I think every single septic system here needs to go. Most are outdated and never meant to have modern day usage- multiple showers, bathrooms, washing machines running every day, dishwashers, too many vacationers in the house, etc. I think personal property rights go out the door when they compromise the environment and public health in the community.

[Andy A]

I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that most of the septic tanks are in Gulf Trace. It has also been said that they now have sewer lines available to their residences. It is costly to hook up to the sewer line and many just don't wish to do so. As I said, I have only heard this, though as I remember, it was at a BCC meeting. If it is in error, please correct it.

[NotDeadYet]

There are quite a few left in Seagrove and Inlet Beach.

[reece]

hi
i saw where there were advisories posted again for some of the 30a beaches. i know how much all you locals care about the pristine areas down there so it must be hard for y'all.
i thought it was a one time thing, but maybe it's becoming an issue? are your local authorities are on top of it? just curious.

[kurt]

Posted on: August 22, 2012WALTON COUNTY WEEKLY BEACH SAMPLING RESULTS

WALTON COUNTY WEEKLY BEACH SAMPLING RESULTS
Walton County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results
Walton County - The Walton County Health Department conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The water samples are being 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 stormwater 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.
Site Name Enterococci Water Quality
SP-1 Miramar Beach 32 Good
SP-3 Dune Allen Beach 60 Moderate
SP-4 Blue Mountain Beach 184 Poor
SP-5 Grayton Beach 480 Poor
SP-7 Holly Street Beach 156 Poor
SP-8 Eastern Lake Beach 356 Poor
SP-9 Inlet Beach Access 472 Poor
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 per 100 ml of marine
Moderate = 36 - 104 Enterococci per 100 ml of marine water
Poor = greater than 105 Enterococci per 100 ml of marine water
Health Advisories have been issued for the Blue Mountain Beach Access, Grayton Beach Access, Holly Street Beach Access, Eastern Lake Beach Access and Inlet Beach Access 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 the Walton County Health Department of (850) 892-8021, or visit the Department of Health’s internet Beach Water Quality website (www.doh.state.fl.us, click on “Floridians and Visitors” – under “Food, Water, Air, Land,” choose “Beach Water Quality.”

[beachma]

Hmmmm...we will be staying near Easter Lake starting
Saturday for 9 days, guess we'll think twice about getting in the water??? Beach time is what we are looking forward too, so not a big deal for us...just glad this isn't a family trip with our grandchildren, I'd be a bit stressed....

[Beach Runner]

So it seems like every time there has been a lot of rain, the beach water quality ratings go down. Am I right or wrong?

If I'm right, what is the solution? Mandating the removal of septic tanks? Cleaning up your dog's poop (which we do)? What else can be done?

If I'm wrong, we have a bigger problem.

[Andy A]

As I understand it, you're correct. The solution? Talk to God.

[mputnal3]

If humans are the primary cause of this problem and we are then it will take humans to fix the problem. We need funding for the sewer infrastructure required to support more and more people coming to our once pristine environment. We need civil engineers instead of marking and advertising. We need work shops and information to educate property owners and businesses. We need our local government to get serious about infrastructure to support the record number of tourist coming to our paradise. This problem is not going away from divine intervention and will continue to get worse. The water quality tests are just symptoms of an outdated system that must be corrected. It will be a mistake to hope this will get better without leadership to make this a priority over marketing campaigns. So if anyone does talk to God please ask for quality leadership in our communities!

[lenzoe]

Okay, but here's what I don't understand:

1) We've had heavy rains for many years
2) We've had periods of high surf for many years
3) We've had these same septic systems for many years
4) We've head heavy tourist traffic in summer for many years

But, this is the first year we've had poor water quality ratings.

What's the difference? Are all the septic systems breaking down suddenly? It seems logical that septic systems near the beach would be bad, but is that really the cause? Right now that's just a bunch of message board speculation. Doesn't the health department monitor septic systems?

It's been suggested that overuse of these septic systems (by tourists) may be a cause. But if I had a rental house with a septic system, wouldn't the users see some indications of breakdown? I mean things like backed up sewer lines, sewage backing up into toilets and bathtubs, and pooling in the yard, which are things I don't think most renters would find attractive.

[kurt]

One rumor I heard was that more water was allowed to enter the Mississippi and thus the gulf after the oil spill in an attempt to keep oil off the coast. I don't know if that is even possible but if it is, could still be going on. More water from the big river means more pollution.

If that is a whacked scenario then it could simply be more chit flowing downstream from local rivers with all the recent rains.

[mputnal3]

Yes, septic systems are breaking down and more people are bring more chit. We need civil engineers to answer the questions about rivers, streams, stormwater, sewer capacities, septic tanks, more people and many more questions regarding how to keep our waters clean and healthy. I am positive that tests can be done to provide us with information regarding why and where and what to do about it. For example if it is coming from the mighty Mississippi or the Choctawhatchee then high bacteria levels should be showing up where fresh waters enter the Gulf. In my opinion it is coming from the record number of tourists visiting and the demands that is places on our septic and sewer infrastructure. Stormwater is a symptom not the cause. People are the source and poor infrastructure is very likely the cause.

[kurt]

People are always surprised to find out there are septic tanks and drainfields under the sand in some places.

Note to dead developers:
If you have to put a septic tank on the beach, you're building in the wrong place.

[Andy A]

Is it at all possible that water wasn't tested or results posted in the past? When did results start to be noticed?

[Beach Runner]

The monitoring began in 1998 according to http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i...r/default.aspx .

[Jdarg]

One rumor I heard was that more water was allowed to enter the Mississippi and thus the gulf after the oil spill in an attempt to keep oil off the coast. I don't know if that is even possible but if it is, could still be going on. More water from the big river means more pollution.

If that is a whacked scenario then it could simply be more chit flowing downstream from local rivers with all the recent rains.

That is Bdarg's unofficial, professional civil engineer assessment, coupled with the enormous amount of runoff here and west of us, and in the bay out to the Gulf. Sooooo much water running off everywhere, coming out of everywhere, going into the Gulf. Septic tanks aren't helping, but they are not the primary cause. (but they still need to be removed)

[Wildernester]

While the double red flags have come down, and the yellow flag is flying, the sign is up advising vistitors to stay out of the water at Grayton Beach due to high levels of enteric bacteria.

Also, there is a strong odor of raw sewage at the out flow into the Gulf from of the lake beside Gulf Trace, and the discoloration is moving towards Grayton and on to Seaside.

Is there a connection?

[reece]

unfortunately this has been going on since at least June http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i....aspx?SPID=300

i really hope that the powers that be find the solution soon, so that the waters of 30a remain safe to swim in.
do y'all this may be a problem that really needs to be addressed?

[Rebecca Griffith Goard]

Does anyone know if this is affecting the water quality at Blue Mountain Beach? We will be staying at Adagio in a couple of weeks and with small children, I'm concerned about the water testing. Does anyone know where I can see the water reports for BMB?

Thanks!

[NotDeadYet]

http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/i...?county=Walton

Click on Blue Mountain Beach for those results.

[Wildernester]

Today, the situation is just as bad. In fact, the odor of raw sewage coming from the Gulf Trace out flow is worse today.

[kurt]

Today, the situation is just as bad. In fact, the odor of raw sewage coming from the Gulf Trace out flow is worse today.

Are you sure it's not sulfur? We have a lot of that in our water around here. Smells more like rotten eggs.

There are a lot of septic tanks in Gulf Trace though. Usually the gulf current is east to west. Also after a storm other stuff gets stirred up from creeks, wetlands, and lakes.

I think I'll go check it out.