What is going on with the awful brown water?

[desertbluff]

We've been in Inlet Beach for a week now and have noticed the water getting worse by the day. It's now the color of tea in some places and an awful dark color in others, so we're not wanting to even wade in it. Will it clear up anytime soon? We remember the beautiful clear emerald water from the last time we were here.

 

[Leader of the Banned]

I learned the hard way at Woodstock, if it's brown, avoid it.

 

[jodiFL]

It is the result of a lot of rain and several dune lakes opening to the gulf. Nothing wrong with it... just Mother Natures way of rinsing out the lakes and the tides in the gulf not running fast enough to flush it all out quickly. Sounds like the perfect time to get off the beach, grab a kayak and see some of the other great things (like those rare dune lakes) in this area.

 

[Matt J]

There also seems to be some sort of slug orgy going on on the beach. Usually accompanied by what can only be described as pond scum.