Do Not Dive Morrison Spring

[jviehe]

Walton County – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County has issued a swim advisory for Morrison Springs, based on the criteria for fecal indicator bacteria.
This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended. Samples taken May 29 and May 30, 2013 were above the public health threshold for fecal indicator bacteria. Water quality exceedances are based upon the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standard of no more than 61 Enterococci CFU/100mL, or 235 E. coli CFU/100mL in any single sample. The water will be re-sampled June 3, 2013. When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.
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 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 Healthy Beaches Counties.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (850) 892-8021.

According to the health dept there were still high levels as of yesterday. Unfortunately I didn't learn about this till after diving there today, even though the Walton County Health Dept claims there are signs everywhere. The gate was open, there were 4 other divers, and several families in the water. None of us saw any signs. Hopefully my buddy and I wont get sick.

 

[Nick A]

That sucks man. That advisory has been in effect for a while, well at least since April.

 

[jviehe]

That sucks man. That advisory has been in effect for a while, well at least since April.

Yeah, doesn't do me any good unless someone happens to check the web. They should have closed the gate or had very prominent signs. There were no signs. Why didn't anyone post it here?

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Everybody is too busy discussing how to choke fools out during OOA situations. Lol!

 

[Nick A]

Yeah, doesn't do me any good unless someone happens to check the web. They should have closed the gate or had very prominent signs. There were no signs. Why didn't anyone post it here?

This is true. I just did a search and there's nothing about morrison being closed. I am suprised that no one has posted anything about it. I definitely agree there should have been signs and the gate locked. I hope all is well.

 

[TMHeimer]

Maybe the signs were stolen by the same guy who stole the beware of alligators sign there back in 2007 or so.

 

[jviehe]

So far so good. Guess we got away.

 

[oldschoolto]

So...Was the dive ****ty ???? Or just the water ???

Jim...

 

[jviehe]

So...Was the dive ****ty ???? Or just the water ???

Jim...

Just the water.

 

[RV]

Anyone have the Morrison Springs poop status website link handy?
I was thinking of stopping by for an afternoon dive at the end of June on the way to the beach.

nevermind, i guess this will work... https://fl-waltoncounty2.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=523