Health Alert Issued for Singer Island After Wastewater Spill — Snorkelers and Divers at Blue Heron Bridge Should Avoid the Water
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) has issued a health alert, no swim advisory, and no irrigation advisory following a wastewater spill into Park Avenue waterways connected to Lift Station 10 on Singer Island in Riviera Beach.
If you were planning to snorkel or dive at Phil Foster Park / Blue Heron Bridge — check the advisory status before you go.
The affected waterways are in the same area, and Blue Heron Bridge is one of the most popular shore snorkeling and dive sites in Palm Beach County. The advisory was issued July 30 and remains in effect until water quality testing confirms the area is clear.
The City of Riviera Beach is coordinating testing and cleanup with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Drinking water is not affected.
What you should know:
- Do not swim or snorkel in the affected Park Avenue waterways — this includes the Blue Heron Bridge / Phil Foster Park area
- Do not use the water for irrigation
- Water contaminated with fecal bacteria can cause illness, skin infections, and rashes — a particular concern for snorkelers and divers in close water contact
- Anyone who has already been in the water should wash thoroughly with soap, especially before eating or drinking
- Sensitive individuals — children, elderly, and immunocompromised — should avoid any exposure even at low contamination levels
- Check before you go: water quality sampling data is updated at floridahealth.gov
For more information, contact DOH-Palm Beach at 561-837-5900. After-hours: 561-881-1888.