Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
On Tuesday, June 9, the Madison County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents along the Withlacoochee River. This is the first advisory issued in several months, although it is certainly not the first time a health advisory has been issued.
On Monday, June 8, elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria were detected on the Withlacoochee River at two separate testing sites. At Ga. Hwy 31 (at the state line) the level was 24,196 MPN (most probable number)/100mL. At County Road 150, the level was 4,611 MPN/100 mL. The standard level which is considered safe is 400 MPN/100mL.
“Until further information is known regarding possible bacterial contamination of the river, people in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the Withlacoochee River,” said Lisa Hayes, Dept. of Health spokesperson in a press release. “The Florida Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection are conducting water sampling.”
Contact with contaminated water can carry several health risks, such as gastrointestinal problems and others. Anyone coming into contact with the river water 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.
The source of the bacteria is still unknown. In the past, there have been problems with river contamination originating from the City of Valdosta, particularly after heavy rain events. According to Scott Fowler, Environmental Manager for the Environmental Management Division for the City of Valdosta, that does not seem to be the case here, despite heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Cristobal. “The city and wastewater plants are operating well,” said Fowler. “We have no issues to report.”
For more information about the health advisory, please contact the Madison County Health Department at (850) 973-5000.