MDEQ Extends Water Contact Advisory for Water Bodies in Gulfport and Biloxi

MDEQ Extends Water Contact Advisory for Water Bodies in Gulfport and Biloxi

(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Thursday extended the water contact advisory that was issued October 4 for several water bodies in Gulfport and Biloxi. The advisory now includes the Industrial Seaway and Bernard Bayou from Highway 49 through Big Lake to Popps Ferry Road in Biloxi.

Sampling by MDEQ this week indicates the contaminated wastewater has moved further east; therefore, the advisory has been extended.

MDEQ recommends that people avoid water contact such as swimming, wading, and fishing in these sections under an advisory. People should also avoid eating fish or anything else taken from these waters until further notice.

MDEQ staff is continuing to monitor the water quality in the area, and the advisory may again be revised. It will be lifted when two consecutive samples in the entire area are below levels of concern.

The advisory has been issued due to breaches in two force mains in the City of Gulfport earlier in the week that have now been repaired.

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