By Rick Patrick Riverbend News
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, the Madison County and Hamilton County offices of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a health advisory for those living along and near the Withlacoochee River. “Until further information is known regarding possible bacterial contamination of the river, residents and visitors in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the Withlacoochee River,” said Lisa Hayes with the Madison County DOH. “The Florida Department of Health is conducting water sampling.”
On Friday, Jan. 8, bacterial levels had fallen back to acceptable levels. According to testing data from the Florida Department of Health, the fecal coliform (FColi) bacteria level was 185 at both the Ga. 31/Fl. 145 (state line) and Fl-6 testing sites. The FColi level at the CR-150 site was 109. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria level at the Ga. 31/Fl. 145 site was 98. The E. coli level at the CR-150 site was 175. The E. coli level at Fl-6 was 185. Pending the results from a second result in the acceptable range, the Department of Health is expected to officially lift the previously issued health advisory.
Water that has been contaminated with elevated fecal bacteria can present several health risks to people. Microbes normally found with fecal bacteria can cause many health-related problems, including gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.
If one should come into contact with the water from the river while it is contaminated, wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and those with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to disease, so those people should take extra precautions near river water.
More information about the potential health effects of contaminated river water can be found by contacting the DOH, in Hamilton County at (386) 792-1414.
