Walton County – The Health Advisory issued on July 15, 2021, for Morrison Springs is still in
effect. The Advisory was issued based on the criteria for fecal indicator bacteria.
This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public and swimming is not
recommended. Samples taken are above the public health threshold for fecal indicator bacteria.
Water quality exceedances are based upon the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
recommended standard of no more than 61 Enterococci CFU/100mL, or 235 E. coli CFU/100mL
in any single sample. Sample results for September 2, 2021, indicate 185.15 Enterococci
CFU/100mL.
The water will be re-sampled next week. When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the
satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County monitors monthly water samples submitted
by public bathing places during their operation season. The water samples are being analyzed
for enteric bacteria (fecal coliform enterococci or E. coli) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract
of humans and warm- blooded animals, and indicate the presence of pathogens which may
cause swimming related diseases including gastrointestinal disease, ear and eye ailments, and
skin rashes and infections. The presence of fecal indicator bacteria is an indication of fecal
pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, domestic pets, wildlife, and human waste
(sewage).
Sampling is also conducted by other county health departments at marine beaches and results
can be found at Department of Health’s Beach Water Quality website at
www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (850) 892-
8021.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida
through integrated state, county and community efforts.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.