Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Is it safe to swim? Mobile Baykeeper water quality monitoring program returns
Reading time: 2 minutes
Coastal Alabamians will soon have trusted water quality information back in their hands.
Mobile Baykeeper’s SWIM (Swim Where It’s Monitored) program is relaunching as the CrowderGulf SWIM program after a brief pause, thanks to support from local businesses, volunteers and community partners.
Testing begins Sept. 11
Starting Friday, Sept. 11, the water testing program will start back up.
Here’s how it works:
- Trained community volunteers collect water samples from public swimming + recreational areas across coastal Alabama
- Mobile Baykeeper’s lab will analyze the samples
- Results are published on the Baykeeper website, the Swim Guide app or by subscribing for email updates
Results will be posted every Friday through September, then monthly for the rest of the year.
SWIM tests for indicator bacteria that can signal sewage contamination, comparing results to EPA recreational water quality standards. The data is displayed on an interactive map so residents and visitors can check conditions before heading to the water.
Community support brought the program back
When the program paused, the community made its absence known.
“When SWIM paused, our community let us know just how much they relied on it. Families use SWIM to decide where to swim, and they know its absence changed the way they lived. Several businesses stepped up to fill the gap in funding, and we are now able to employ people to run the program.”
William Strickland, executive director, Mobile Baykeeper
The program’s return is backed by presenting partner CrowderGulf, along with Michael and Debbie Quinn, Bay Break Fairhope, Gulf Surgical Dermatology and Fly Creek Marina.
“For decades, CrowderGulf has been proud to call Alabama’s coast home. We’ve seen firsthand how these waters sustain local communities, support livelihoods and shape the way of life we all share.”
Reid Loper, senior vice president, CrowderGulf
How to get involved
SWIM is relaunching with its highest-priority monitoring sites first, and Baykeeper plans to expand as more funding comes in.
“We need more sponsors and volunteers to be able to add more sites and track down more sources of bacteria problem areas.”
William Strickland, executive director, Mobile Baykeeper
Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring or checking water quality results can visit mobilebaykeeper.org/swim-guide or email info@mobilebaykeeper.org.
