Walton County July 22, 2020 — Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is
rescinding the July 8, 2020 health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. DOH
Walton feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in
bacteria levels. We will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely
advise the public of our results. For more information, contact the DOH Walton at 850-892-
8021.
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.