Swimming advisory issued for Watson Bayou due to sewage leak

PANAMA CITY - Swimming in Watson Bayou between 10th Street and Business Highway 98 is currently discouraged until further notice due to a sewage leak, according to the City of Panama City.

“The City of Panama City discovered a sewage leak in a heavily wooded storm water ditch located in the 600 Block of N. Palo Alto Avenue. The City’s Public Works Department took immediate action to stop the leak and repair the broken sewer line,” a news release stated. “While it is unknown at this time when the leak started and how many gallons of sewage was leaked, the City has determined that sewage was discharged into Watson Bayou.”

City Manager Mark McQueen said he has “directed my team to replace the entire line to ensure a resilient pipeline system is in place adjacent to the water.”

The City has notified the FDEP of the leak and will continue to test the water in Watson Bayou until test results show the water is clear, according to the release.