Sanford, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is issuing a health advisory to residents and visitors near the Sweetwater Creek area in central Florida. Utilities, Inc. of Florida has reported a large spill of untreated sewage that entered Sweetwater Creek and will impact water quality in that area.

The utilities company is conducting water sampling and will continue to monitor the situation. Until further information is known regarding possible contamination of the creek, people in the area are urged to take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with water and please do not swim in or fish from the water at this time. It is advised not to use the water as irrigation at this time until all tests come back free of fecal coliform contamination.
• Water contaminated with wastewater overflow presents several health risks to humans. Untreated human sewage with microbes could cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.
• Anyone who comes into contact with the creek water 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 water.

For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, Floridians are encouraged to contact DOH-Seminole at 407-665-3627 or www.FloridaHealth.gov. For further information regarding any possible environmental impacts contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 407-897-4100.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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