Health Officials in Palm Beach County Advise of Possible Bacterial Contamination

Palm Beach County, Fla. — Due to a recent wastewater spill into Garden Road connected to the C17 Canal in Riviera Beach, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) is issuing a health alert, no swim advisory, and no irrigation from these waterways to residents and visitors near the area. Drinking water is not affected.

Until further information is known regarding possible bacterial contamination, residents and visitors in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the above waterways in Palm Beach County. The city of Riviera Beach is coordinating testing and cleanup actions with
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Water contaminated with high levels of fecal bacteria can cause disease, infections, or rashes. Anyone who comes into contact with the water in this area should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and those who are
immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.

For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, please contact DOH-Palm Beach at 561-837-5900 or email CHD50ContactUs@flhealth.gov. For after-hours questions or inquiries, please call 561-881-1888.