Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) –   The Alabama Department of Public Health has ended the swimming advisory at Wolf Bay near Orange Beach Waterfront Park. Water testing now shows safe conditions for swimmers. The advisory was put in place due to high bacteria levels. Health officials confirm the water quality has returned to acceptable standards.

The swimming advisory was officially lifted on May 8th. Water samples collected the day before showed enterococci bacteria levels had dropped below the EPA safety threshold of 104 colonies per 100 milliliters. This means the water is once again safe for public use.

The Alabama Department of Public Health works with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to monitor water quality. Their program operates under a grant from the EPA's BEACH Act Program. They regularly test coastal waters to ensure public safety.

Enterococci bacteria serve as indicators that harmful germs might be present in the water. These bacteria typically come from the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. High levels can signal potential health risks for swimmers.

The public can find more information about beach water quality on ADEM's website. Additional details are also available through the EPA's "Beach Watch" program. Residents with questions can contact Allison Godfrey at the Baldwin County Health Department or Suzi Rice at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.