Risk of illness increases if you swim in these South MS locations, state says

Beachgoers are advised they may want to avoid swimming in the Mississippi Sound on Pass Christian’s West Beach, from Fort Henry Avenue East to Elliott Street.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has issued a water contact advisory for the area due to high bacteria levels. Water contact advisories indicate “an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in this area,” MDEQ says.

When water samples show that bacteria levels are safe for contact, the advisory will be lifted.

Four additional water-contact advisories remain in effect:

• Bay St. Louis Beach from box culvert eastward to Ballantine Street.
• Pass Christian East Beach from Espy Avenue east to Hayden Avenue
• Long Beach Beach from Oak Gardens east to Girard
• Gulfport West Beach from Marie Avenue east to Camp Avenue

MDEQ also advises that swimming in the Sound should be avoided during or within 24 hours of a significant rainfall.

Anita Lee

Sun Herald

601-909-0638

Anita, a Mississippi native, graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and previously worked at the Jackson Daily News and Virginian-Pilot, joining the Sun Herald in 1987. She specializes in in-depth coverage of government, public corruption, transparency and courts. She has won state, regional and national journalism awards, most notably contributing to Hurricane Katrina coverage awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service. Support my work with a digital subscription