Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — For residents and visitors enjoying the coastal waters of lower Baldwin County, staying informed about water quality is an essential part of a safe trip to the beach or bay. Local health departments and environmental organizations consistently monitor popular swimming spots to ensure the public is aware of conditions that might pose health risks.

Swimming advisories are public notifications issued by the Baldwin County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) when routine testing reveals that bacteria levels—specifically Enterococcus, a bacteria that indicates fecal contamination—have exceeded safety thresholds.

Currently there are two local swim advisories issued by the Baldwin County Health Department:

• Arnica Bay — Bear Point Civic Association
• Arnica Bay — Pirate’s Cove

When these levels surpass the EPA standard of 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water, it serves as a warning that harmful pathogens may be present. Swimming, wading, or engaging in other direct contact with the water during these times is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of ear, eye, skin, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Elevated bacteria levels are often transient and can be caused by various factors, including heavy rainfall, which may cause runoff from septic systems or other environmental sources. Because these spikes can be sudden, agencies like ADEM perform routine monitoring and immediate retesting once an advisory is issued to track when water quality returns to safe limits.