Swimming advisory issued for Arnica Bay at Pirates Cove: ADPH
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — Two recent tests of swimming water quality were poor for Arnica Bay at Pirates Cove, according to a release from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
ADPH said swimming in the area can lead to an increased risk of illness.
Baldwin County health officials will continue to monitor the swimming water quality and will lift the advisory once the bacteria values fall below the Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milliliters for marine water.
About enterococci bacteria
High counts of enterococci bacteria indicate the possibility of other disease-causing germs could be in the water.
“These indicator bacteria are inhabitants of the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals,” the release said. “Bacterial concentrations in recreational waters can increase during and immediately following rainstorms due to overflowing sewage collection and treatment facilities, storm water run-off, malfunctioning septic systems and agricultural run-off.”
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“No known sewage spills have occurred,” the release continued.
For more information, go to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management website.
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