Baldwin County health officials are urging swimmers and boaters to steer clear of two popular waterfront spots in lower Baldwin County after routine testing turned up bacteria levels high enough to pose a health risk.
The Baldwin County Health Department has issued swimming advisories for the waters off Bear Point Civic Association and Pirate’s Cove, both along Arnica Bay. The advisories follow the same process the health department and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management use throughout the summer: regular water sampling for Enterococcus, a bacteria strain that signals the presence of fecal contamination.
When Enterococcus counts climb above the EPA’s threshold of 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water, health officials consider that a signal that harmful pathogens may be present. Swimming, wading or other direct contact with the water during an active advisory raises the risk of ear, eye, skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, officials say.
Elevated bacteria readings along the Gulf Coast are usually temporary, often tied to heavy rainfall that washes runoff from septic systems or other sources into the water. Because conditions can change quickly, ADEM and the health department retest affected sites regularly once an advisory goes into effect, lifting the warning as soon as levels return to a safe range.
Residents and visitors planning a trip to the water in lower Baldwin County are encouraged to check for posted advisories before swimming and to avoid Bear Point and Pirate’s Cove on Arnica Bay until the current advisory is lifted.