Beach advisories expand to second Coast county over levels of harmful bacteria

The Mississippi Department of Environmental quality found increased levels of bacteria at another Mississippi Coast beach on Thursday, which increases the number of affected beaches to seven.

MDEQ found elevated levels of Enterococci at Bay St. Louis Beach, which means beaches in Hancock and Harrison counties are now affected.

The new advisory against water contact was issued for Box Culvert eastward to Ballantine Street. Beachgoers are being advised to avoid contact with the water or face an increased risk of illness.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the water-contact advisories on Thursday afternoon as part of its Beach Monitoring Program.

“These beaches are not closed,” MDEQ advised in a news release, “However, there may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in these areas.”

Water samples indicate bacteria levels are high in the following areas:

• Bay St. Louis Beach — Box Culvert eastward to Ballantine Street.
• Pass Christian Central Beach — Henderson Avenue east to Hiern Avenue.
• Pass Christian East Beach — Espy Avenue east to Hayden Avenue.
• Long Beach Beach — Oak Gardens Avenue to Girard Avenue.
• Gulfport West Beach — Marie Avenue east to Camp Avenue.
• Gulfport Harbor Beach — 20th Avenue east to Thornton Avenue.
• Biloxi East Central Beach — St. Peter Street east to Dukate Street

Also, MDEQ says, swimming in the Mississippi Sound is inadvisable for 24 hours after any significant rainfall.