Residents ask for better signage at Bay County parks after water quality advisory – WJHG

Water Quality Advisory Issued for Bay County Parks Highlighting Public Health and Environmental Concerns

Introduction

Recent water quality advisories have been issued by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) for Carl Gray and Earl Gilbert parks in Bay County, Florida, due to elevated bacteria levels in the water. These findings raise significant public health concerns and emphasize the importance of sustainable environmental management in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Details of the Water Quality Advisory

1. Source of Advisory: The Florida Department of Health detected elevated bacteria levels, potentially indicating sewage contamination.
2. Locations Affected: Carl Gray Park and Earl Gilbert Park.
3. Potential Risks: Increased risk of illness for individuals engaging in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and boating.

Public Awareness and Signage Issues

• Initial reports indicated a lack of visible warning signs at Carl Gray Park, especially near the boat ramp where most water activities occur.
• By Friday, an electronic sign at the east end of Carl Gray Park displayed a warning: “Enter at your own risk, see DOH web page.” However, no signs were present at the boat ramp.
• At Earl Gilbert Park, signage was updated from “no water quality advisory at this time” to “swimming is not recommended and there is increased risk of illness at this time.”
• Despite warnings, some visitors, including families with children, continued to swim, indicating insufficient public communication.

Community Response and Official Actions

1. Visitors expressed concern over the lack of adequate warnings and called for more comprehensive signage to protect public health.
2. City officials from Panama City are collaborating with the Department of Health to install additional signs near the boat ramp, pending city manager approval.
3. The city has made water quality advisories accessible online and offers text alerts for health advisories to improve public information dissemination.
4. FDOH plans to conduct further water quality testing in the coming week to monitor the situation.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: The advisory aims to prevent waterborne illnesses by informing the public about health risks associated with contaminated water.
• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Monitoring and addressing water pollution reflects efforts to ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The collaboration between city officials and health departments demonstrates commitment to making communities safer and more resilient.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Coordination between local government and health authorities exemplifies effective partnerships to address environmental health challenges.

Recommendations for Public Safety and Environmental Sustainability

1. Enhance visibility and placement of warning signs at all park entry points and popular water activity areas.
2. Increase public outreach through digital platforms and community engagement to raise awareness of water quality issues.
3. Implement regular water quality monitoring programs to ensure timely detection and response to contamination.
4. Promote sustainable waste management practices to prevent sewage contamination and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

The water quality advisories at Carl Gray and Earl Gilbert parks underscore the critical need for effective environmental management and public health communication. Addressing these challenges aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering healthier communities and sustainable ecosystems in Bay County.

Additional Resources

• Water Quality Advisory for Carl Gray Park: City of Panama City Alert Center
• Florida Department of Health Newsroom: FDOH Bay County
• Sign up for health advisory text alerts via the City of Panama City website.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights health risks due to elevated bacteria levels in water, which can cause illness.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The issue of water contamination and sewage presence in recreational waters relates directly to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water quality.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Management of public parks and ensuring safe recreational environments are part of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protecting aquatic ecosystems from pollution is relevant to sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality Indicators
   • Levels of bacteria in water (e.g., presence of sewage-indicating bacteria) as measured by water quality tests conducted by Florida Department of Health.
   • Frequency and results of water quality advisories issued for recreational water bodies.
2. Public Health Indicators
   • Incidence of illnesses related to water contamination in the local population.
3. Public Awareness and Safety Measures
   • Number and visibility of warning signs and advisories posted in affected parks.
   • Public access to timely information such as online advisories and text alerts.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wjhg.com