Elevated indicators of fecal bacteria

Contact:

Communications Office

Chd50Contactus@flhealth.gov

561-671-4014

Palm Beach County, Fla. — Due to a recent wastewater spill into an unnamed canal located near 2459 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs, FL and possibly the Lake Clarke waterway, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County today issued 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 Village of Palm Springs is coordinating testing and cleanup actions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Water contaminated with elevated fecal bacteria presents several health risks to humans. Microbes in fecal bacteria could cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.

Anyone who comes into contact with the water in this area should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to disease, so every precaution should be taken if needed.

For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, Floridians are encouraged to contact DOH-Palm Beach at 561-837-5900 or chd50contactus@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Follow DOH-Palm Beach on X at @HealthyFLPBC. To learn more about DOH-Palm Beach programs, visit PalmBeach.FloridaHealth.gov.