Contact:
Public Information Office
CHD50ContactUs@FLhealth.gov
561-671-4014

Palm Beach County, Fla. — Due to a recent wastewater spill into Lake Worth Drainage District connected to the E-3 Canal south of Potomac Road 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 Boca Raton 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 CHD50ContactUs@flhealth.gov. For after-hours questions or inquiries, please call 561-881-1888.

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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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