State says stay out of the water at 3 more Mississippi Coast beaches. Here’s the list
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on Thursday issued three water contact advisories in Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian and Long Beach.
None of the beaches are closed. The department often issues advisories out of caution when routine tests find higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in the water.
The department tests for for Enterococcus, bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of some animals. Enterococcus is not harmful to humans but may indicate that bacteria from wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, recreational boat sewage or other fecal contaminants are in the water.
Cracked septic tanks, overflowing manholes and crumbling sewer lines can all release untreated wastewater into roadside ditches, where storm water drains eventually carry it past Highway 90 and into the Mississippi Sound. The bacteria can also come from wildlife, such as a pelican colony on a pier.
The advisory in Bay St. Louis extends from the box culvert east to Ballantine Street. The Pass Christian advisory is between Henderson Avenue to Hiern Avenue. The affected area in Long Beach is from Oak Garden Avenue through Girard Avenue.
An advisory that began last week is also in effect for Waveland Beach, near Vacation Lane.
It is unclear what caused the recent advisories, but testing often turns up bacteria at Mississippi Coast beaches after rain. The Department of Environmental Quality warns swimming during an advisory can increase the risk of illness. The advisories have also frustrated some beach business owners who are dependent on swimmers and tourism.
Here’s the full list of advisories issued this year:
Feb. 6: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a water contact advisory at Gulfport West Beach. The advisory lifted Feb. 12. The agency also issued an advisory at Waveland Beach, which had not lifted as of Thursday.
Jan. 17: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory at Front Beach in Ocean Springs. The advisory ended Jan. 29.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 12:15 PM.