Enhancing Mississippi Beach Water Monitoring Through GIS Technology

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has long prioritized the safety of the state’s beaches. Traditional methods of tracking water quality, which involved field scientists collecting samples, conducting lab tests, and manually issuing advisories, proved time-consuming and often delayed needed warnings. These lags exposed the public to health risks before advisories could be released. With the growing need for a more efficient and timely response, MDEQ turned to geographic information system (GIS) technology to transform how water quality data is collected, analyzed, and shared.

MDEQ, in collaboration with Esri partner The Geospatial Group, implemented a cutting-edge GIS solution that streamlined the entire process. This ensured that water quality data was not only collected in real time but also made accessible to both the public and decision-makers instantaneously.

The new system integrates ArcGIS Enterprise with real-time data input, allowing MDEQ scientists to monitor water quality conditions as they evolve throughout the day. Using an intuitive application built by The Geospatial Group, MDEQ staff can now quickly access and input the latest bacteria sample readings.

The automated system immediately processes this data and updates public-facing maps, powered by ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, alerting beachgoers about potential health risks when bacteria levels exceed safe thresholds. Selecting a specific beach on the map triggers a pop-up display of pertinent information, sourced from the feature layer and custom fields in ArcGIS Arcade. These updates happen almost instantaneously, meaning that the public has up-to-date information at their fingertips, making it possible to reach informed decisions on where to swim and when to stay out of the water.

This integration of GIS technology eliminates the need for slow, manual processes like cross-checking spreadsheets and compiling advisory reports. Instead, MDEQ staff can focus their time on the analysis of environmental trends and the formulation of data-driven decisions. The data is written to the feature layer using ArcGIS REST APIs that catalog and update the information, enabling efficient user features. With just a few clicks, scientists can verify data, cross-reference it with automated warnings, and issue advisories, ensuring that no one is exposed to harmful bacteria without being informed in a timely manner.

The program’s efficiency also extends to the management of monitoring stations. MDEQ can easily activate or deactivate stations as needed, ensuring that the network of monitoring sites remains responsive to the real-time needs of the community. Historical data is neatly organized and fully searchable, making it simpler to analyze trends over time and identify long-term changes in water quality. The ability to export this data further enhances the department’s ability to make informed policy recommendations and refine environmental management strategies.

Moreover, the GIS allows MDEQ to enhance transparency and improve public communication. With the system in place, the public can access water quality data directly through the Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program’s interactive map. This map not only provides real-time data about bacteria levels but also offers historical trends, letting the public see how conditions have changed over time. The built-in text alert feature allows users to receive notifications when water quality advisories are issued, ensuring that beachgoers always have the latest information. Local families utilize this tool in preparation for a day at the beach, giving them peace of mind about their health and well-being. This transparency builds trust between MDEQ and the community, showing how both data and the science behind it are accessible to everyone.

The benefits of this system also extend to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and other coastal vendors rely on clean beaches to attract tourists. With accurate and timely water quality reports, businesses can provide assurances to visitors, contributing to the region’s economic health and reputation as a prime tourist destination. Additionally, MDEQ’s system has helped government officials, policymakers, and environmental scientists analyze long-term trends, fostering collaboration across agencies and enabling data-driven decisions that support both environmental protection and economic interests.

For MDEQ, the partnership with The Geospatial Group and Esri has not only transformed the way water quality monitoring is conducted but has also significantly improved the department’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to public health concerns. This GIS-based method of tracking water quality has become an indispensable tool for local and state governments. It enables them to manage beach safety with a higher level of efficiency and precision than ever before.

Through the integration of real-time data, GIS mapping, and advanced analytics, MDEQ has created a comprehensive solution that improves both the environmental monitoring process and public health outcomes. The Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program now stands as a model of how innovative technology can be applied to protect natural resources, support economic stability, and enhance public safety.

Building on the success of the Mississippi Beach Monitoring Program, MDEQ continues to expand its use of GIS technology to support additional environmental initiatives. New workflows are being implemented to monitor freshwater quality, track watershed health, and assess impaired water bodies across the state. By leveraging GIS in these areas, MDEQ continues to strengthen its environmental oversight, streamline data collection and reporting, and provide more timely and accurate information to stakeholders.