The Florida Department of Health is warning residents of possible wastewater contamination in counties surrounding the Withlacoochee River.
The City of Valdosta has reported a spill, made up of a combination of storm water and untreated sewage that has overflowed into One-Mile Branch, Two-Mile Branch, Sugar Creek and Cherry Creek which flow into the Withlacoochee River.
Residents are being urged to take precautions when in contact with the Withlacoochee River. This includes those individuals in Hamilton and Madison counties.
“Water contaminated by wastewater overflow presents several health hazards to humans and may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastro-intestinal and other diseases,” said a statement from the Health Department.
Anyone who comes in contact with the river water should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking, the Health Department also advised. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the river water.
