The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, through its Beach Monitoring Program, has issued four beach water contact advisories.

The beaches are not closed; however, there may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in these areas. When water samples show that bacteria levels are safe for contact, the advisories will be lifted.

ADVISORIES have been ISSUED for:

· Bay St. Louis Beach — the affected area is from Box Culvert eastward to Ballantine St.. (Station 4)

· Pass Christian West Beach — the affected area is from Fort Henry Ave eastward to Elliot St.. (Station 5)

· Pass Christian Central Beach — the affected area is from Henderson Ave eastward to Hiern Ave. (Station 6)

· Pass Christian East Beach — the affected area is from Espy Ave eastward to Hayden Ave. (Station 7)

Advisories are still in effect for:

· Long Beach Beach — the affected is from Oak Gardens eastward to Girard. (Station 7A)

· Biloxi East Central Beach — the affected area is from St. Peter St. east to Dukate Street. (Station 12B)

Swimmers are reminded that the Beach Task Force has a standing recommendation that swimming should not occur during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall.

More information about the Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program and the location of beach sampling stations is available here.

To be included in a public group list to receive beach advisories directly, text “MDEQbeach” to (833)259-4545 or follow MDEQ on Twitter: @MDEQ.