The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has issued a swimming advisory for Waterfront Park on Wolf Bay in Orange Beach following two consecutive tests indicating poor water quality.

Officials warn that swimming in the area may pose an increased risk of illness.

The advisory comes after routine monitoring revealed enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safety threshold of 104 organisms per 100 milliliters for marine water. Elevated levels of these bacteria, which originate from the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals, can signal the presence of other harmful germs.

The ADPH, in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), conducts these water quality tests under the EPA’s BEACH Act Program, which funds regular sampling at 25 high-use coastal recreational sites. These samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria to determine water safety based on EPA guidelines for full-body contact in recreational waters.

Bacterial levels can spike after rainstorms due to runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, or other environmental factors, although no sewage spills have been reported in this instance. The site will continue to be monitored, and the advisory will remain until bacteria levels fall below the EPA's recommended threshold.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about the latest water quality updates by visiting the ADEM’s website at https://adem.alabama.gov/programs/coastal/beachMonitoring.cnt.