Mexico Beach Water Advisory Remains In Effect - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

A health advisory remains in effect in Mexico Beach, three days after untreated sewage flowed from a canal into the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Joe Scully, the Bay County Health Department's Water Program Supervisor, preliminary results of water quality tests reveal high levels of fecal contamination in the 8th Street canal, but low levels in the gulf near the discharge site.

City officials estimate about 38,000 gallons of sewage escaped Sunday after a power failure at a lift station.

Scully said it's too early to rescind the "no swimming" advisory issued on Tuesday.  "Because the levels in the canal are still high… that sewage is going to make its way out into the gulf," Scully said.  "We just want to make sure if there is a lot still in there the levels are low in the gulf and won't affect anyone swimming."

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is coordinating the water tests.  Scully said additional water samples were taken Wednesday and more are planned for Thursday.  It's not yet known when the health advisory will be lifted.