(Mobile, Ala.) - Mobile Baykeeper is partnering with the Town of Magnolia Springs to begin frequent water quality testing on Magnolia River. Under the terms of the partnership, approved on Tuesday, June 26 at the Town Council Meeting, Baykeeper staff will sample bacteria levels of the river on a minimum weekly basis from now through the end of September.
“We are thrilled to begin working with Magnolia Springs and applaud town officials for making this responsible decision to ensure its residents can safely swim, fish, and play in their beautiful river all summer long,” said Casi (kc) Callaway, Mobile Baykeeper Executive Director & Baykeeper. “We encourage other municipalities, businesses, civic organizations, or individuals to do the same at waterfront locations important to them.”
This partnership marks the first of what Baykeeper expects will be many to come in the future as part of its “Swim Where It’s Monitored” program, a water quality monitoring program designed for citizens to sponsor a beach, swimming hole, or waterfront location and receive the most up-to-date water quality information. Test results allow sponsors and other community members to make informed decisions about whether it is safe to swim, fish, boat, or play near the tested site.
ADEM, Alabama’s state environmental agency, routinely monitors 25 locations throughout Coastal Alabama and Baykeeper posts the results through the Swim Guide app. The goal of the SWIM program is to expand the number of sites tested and frequency of sites tested , ensuring the public stays informed throughout the process. “We want our families to swm, fish, and play in Coastal Alabama’s waterways this summer without having to worry whether or not it’s safe,” said Callaway. “The SWIM program will enable us to test additional sites more frequently and keep our citizens informed while doing so.”