Possibly troublesome bacteria found at 5 more Coast beaches, state warns
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- MDEQ issued water contact advisories for five Mississippi Gulf Coast beach areas.
- Advisories note elevated bacteria and warn swimmers of increased illness risk.
- Beach Task Force advises avoiding swimming during and 24 hours after heavy rain.
Warmer weather is bringing more people to the beaches in South Mississippi, but five water quality advisories are issued for South Mississippi beaches this weekend.
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on Thursday issued new water contact advisory after tests found high enterococcus bacteria levels at these beaches:
- Waveland: From Oak Bouvevard east to Favre Street (Station 3)
- Bay St. Louis: From the box culvert east to Ballantine Street (Station 4)
- Pass Christian West: From Fort Henry Avenue east to Elliot Street (Station 5)
- Pass Christian Central: From Henderson Avenue east to Hiern Avenue (Station 6)
- Pass Christian East: From Espy Avenue east to Hayden Avenue (Station 7)
The beaches are not closed, but MDEQ says there may be an increased risk of illness for those who swim in these areas.
MDEQ’s Beach Task Force has a standing recommendation that people should not swim during or within 24 hours of a significant rainfall.
Tests this week showed bacteria levels are normal at the other 16 beaches across the Mississippi Coast monitored by MDEQ. Current conditions can be checked on the agency’s website.
This advisory comes after a recent advisory was issued against six Mississippi Coast beaches.
This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 3:59 PM.
