Town of Many Parks

We received the Sunday sample results from FWC. “The water samples collected in response to the discolored water and dead fish within Cinco Bayou contained a mixed assemblage of algae with no dominant species. Based on these samples and the environmental data, the likely cause for the event was the low dissolved oxygen.” So these results say a specific algae (that is tested for) is not the culprit. BUT, it very well could have been another microorganism feeding on the waste that depleted the O2. We will pass along Wednesdays sample results when we receive them.
/ Advisories / Water HealthAdvisory for Cinco Bayou

Water Healthadvisory For Cinco Bayou

Active
Health-Advisory
08/05/2026 12:00 am
Updated: 08/09/2026

Summary

https://fwb.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/864

Advisory:

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a health advisory for Cinco Bayou in Fort Walton Beach. Drinking water is not affected by this advisory.

Tests completed on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, indicate that the water quality in Cinco Bayou does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

DOH-Okaloosa advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.

Waters with elevated bacteria levels can pose significant health risks, potentially leading to gastrointestinal illness and other diseases. Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway 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 so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters.

The Department of Health is performing water quality monitoring and testing, and once satisfactory results are achieved, the health advisory will be lifted through a future press release.

For more information, residents and visitors are encouraged to contact DOH-Okaloosa at 850-689-7859 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.

Back to Advisories
↑