Beach water samples for August 5; health advisories issued

The water tested “poor” at both Garniers Park, located in Fort Walton Beach, and Marler Park, located in Destin. Each tested high for enteric bacteria, which normally inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals.

Water health advisories have been issued for one park in Fort Walton Beach and another in Destin. None were issued this week for waters in the Niceville-Valparaiso area.

The water tested “poor” at both Garniers Park, located in Fort Walton Beach, and Marler Park, located in Destin. Each tested high for enteric bacteria, which normally inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals, according to the Florida Department of Health. The bacteria may cause human disease, infections or rashes.

This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public, the release said.

The waters at Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville tested “moderate,” and Lincoln Park in Valparaiso tested “good.”

The sites are among the 11 sites tested bi-weekly through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.