Hamilton County Health Department
JASPER — A sewer overflow in South Georgia is causing health concerns on the Withlacoochee River.
The Florida Department of Health in Hamilton County issued a health advisory Thursday to residents and visitors near the river due to excess E.coli bacteria levels. The advisory recommends that people avoid coming in contact with the river water including through swimming or fishing.
The advisory said the E.coli levels surpassed the 235 man/100mL threshold following a wastewater overflow in Valdosta.
Valdosta had an overflow of approximately 7.5 million gallons last week following a 17-inch rain event on Nov. 6-7. According to the city, 7.2 million gallons spilled out of its Withlachoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant. An additional 250,000 gallons is estimated to have spilled from a Wainwright Drive station into the Sugar Creek which then enters the river.
The city said in a release that both spills had stopped as of Monday.
According to the Hamilton County Health Department, it is working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Suwannee River Water Management District to assess and monitor the situation on the river.
Sampling and testing and being conducted this week.
According to the health department, water contaminated with elevated fecal bacteria presents several health risks to humans. Microbes normally found with fecal bacteria can cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions. Children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to disease, according to the health department.
The release said anyone that comes into contact with water from the Withlacoochee River should wash thoroughly especially before eating and drinking.