TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — State authorities are advising caution for those heading to the beach after higher than normal levels of fecal bacteria were recorded at several of Georgia’s popular beaches, including parts of Tybee Island.
A recent water quality assessment in Georgia revealed that over a dozen miles of its coastline do not meet safe recreational standards due to increased levels of enterococci—a bacteria typically found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has flagged areas on Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island as compromised because of the elevated bacteria levels.
Although these beaches remain accessible to the public, officials advise steering clear of the affected zones while ongoing monitoring and water quality tests are conducted.
Enterococci, one of two fecal indicator bacteria employed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is used to safeguard public health in recreational water bodies. These bacteria, commonly residing in the intestines of both humans and animals, may indicate contamination and suggest the possible presence of harmful pathogens.
According to environmental experts, enterococci and other bacteria can enter waterways through a variety of sources, including:
- Stormwater runoff
Some background levels may also occur naturally from non-fecal sources such as plants, sand, soil and sediment.
State officials have not yet determined the exact source of contamination in the affected coastal waters.
Affected beach segments below.
The following shoreline segments were identified as impaired due to elevated enterococci levels:
| Beach Area | Location | Length (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Jekyll Island – Driftwood Beach | Beach Kilometer Marker 1 to Tallu Fish Lane | 2.0 |
| Jekyll Island – North Beach at Dexter Lane | Tallu Fish Lane to Brice Lane | 4.0 |
| St. Simons Island – 5th Street Crossover Beach | Cedar Street to 9th Street (Village Area) | 0.6 |
| St. Simons Island – Massengale Park Beach | Driftwood Drive to Cedar Street | 0.5 |
| St. Simons Island – Middle Beach (East Beach Old Coast Guard Station) | Tenth Street to Driftwood Drive | 0.9 |
| St. Simons Island – North Beach at Gould’s Inlet | Fifteenth Street to Tenth Street (East Beach Area) | 0.4 |
| St. Simons Island – South Beach at Lighthouse | 9th Street to Pier (Village Area) | 1.5 |
| Tybee Island – Polk Street Beach | End of Beach to Jetty | 1.8 |
| Tybee Island – Strand Beach at Pier | 11th Street to 18th Street | 0.7 |
On Tybee Island, the impacted areas include the beach near Polk Street on the island’s north end and a section of beach near the pier between 11th and 18th Streets.
Under the federal Clean Water Act, states are required to assess water quality every two years and determine whether waterways are supporting their designated uses, such as recreation, fishing or aquatic life.
When waters are found to be impaired and unable to support their designated use, states must develop what are known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). These plans establish the maximum amount of pollutants that can enter a water body while still meeting water quality standards.
The process includes:
- Identifying pollution sources.
The designation does not automatically close beaches but serves as a warning that water quality conditions need improvement and additional management efforts.
Millions of visitors travel to Georgia’s coast each year, with Tybee Island remaining one of the state’s most popular destinations for tourists and residents.
Officials emphasize that many beach areas remain safe for recreation. However, beachgoers are encouraged to check the latest Georgia EPD water quality reports and advisories before entering the water and to avoid swimming in areas where elevated bacteria levels have been detected.
Additional monitoring and investigation into the source of contamination are ongoing.