Difference between revisions of "Beach Water Quality Monitoring Programs in Coastal States"

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::::[http://publicapps.odh.ohio.gov/beachguardpublic/ General Water Quality Data & Advisories] and [https://www.neorsd.org/beaches-and-water-quality/ Northeast Water Quality Data & Advisories]
 
::::[http://publicapps.odh.ohio.gov/beachguardpublic/ General Water Quality Data & Advisories] and [https://www.neorsd.org/beaches-and-water-quality/ Northeast Water Quality Data & Advisories]
 
::::Contact: Mary Clifton, (614) 466-6736, mary.clifton@odh.ohio.gov. Beach hotline: 1-866-644-6224
 
::::Contact: Mary Clifton, (614) 466-6736, mary.clifton@odh.ohio.gov. Beach hotline: 1-866-644-6224
'''Sampling Frequency:''' Labor Day - Memorial Day: At least weekly
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'''Sampling Frequency:''' Memorial Day - Labor Day: At least weekly
 
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<br>
 
'''Water Quality Standard:''' 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
 
'''Water Quality Standard:''' 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water

Revision as of 17:34, 13 February 2019


Introduction

Planning a day at the beach? Check below to see if any water quality advisories are in effect!

To help coastal residents and visitors stay informed about their local beach water quality, Surfrider assembled key information on state and county beach water quality programs across the nation. Browse below to find out if current water quality information is available for your favorite beach. If you don’t see your go to spot listed in state and county data portals, it’s probably because your state has inadequate funding to thoroughly test your coastal water quality. Learn ways to get involved and secure better funding and protections for your coastal playgrounds here. In the meantime, check if a volunteer-run Blue Water Task Force lab is active in your town.

Background on Water Quality Testing & How to Read this Document

Every coastal state monitors the water quality of their local beaches, but due to funding and staff limitations, not every beach is monitored year-round. Water quality testing programs are often managed by the state’s Department of Health, either at the state-level, county-level, or a mixture of both. These agencies collect water samples at local beaches, and test them for the presence of enterococcus bacteria at saltwater beaches, and E. coli at freshwater beaches. Low levels of bacteria are generally considered harmless; however, at larger concentrations of bacteria, the likelihood for the presence of harmful pathogens increases, making it unsafe to swim or recreate in coastal waters.

The threshold quantity that determines whether a beach is unsafe to swim is called the Beach Action Value (BAV) or water quality standard. The quantity of bacteria is measured in coliform forming units (or cfu), and is calculated by physically counting bacteria cultures in a petris dish, or by using a vetted estimation method to calculate the “most probable number” (MPN) of cfu. If a sample exceeds the BAV, the state must post a swim advisory or beach closure (pending on the severity of the exceedance). Signs are posted at beaches, and online databases are updated to reflect the advisory and increased risk of pathogen exposure. Originally, the BAV was the same for every coastal state, but in 2012 the EPA changed this standard to allow states to select their own BAV from a suite of alternative criteria. This resulted in a lot of variation across water quality thresholds between states (learn more here).

High bacteria exceedances can happen at any time, but are especially likely during and after a rain. Rain in developed coastal areas can result in highly polluted stormwater and urban runoff reaching the beaches- containing toxic substances, untreated sewage, and more! Pending on the amount of rain and water movement, it can take 3 days or more for those pollutants to dissipate in the ocean and dilute back to safe levels, so it’s strongly recommended to avoid entering coastal waters after a rain. Some state and county agencies issue pre-emptive rain advisories to warn beach-goers of the increased risk of swimming.

In this document, we clarify what agencies are testing the beach water quality in each coastal state, and where to find the most up to date information on local water quality. Links to each program website, primary contact information, and sampling frequency are provided. We also clarify what each state is using as their water quality standard for management decisions (whether to issue an advisory or beach closure), and if they issue pre-emptive rain advisories.

Alabama

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) & Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: ADEM - (251) 304-1176, coastal@adem.alabama.gov; ADPH - (251) 947-3618

Sampling Frequency: June to September: Minimum every two weeks but frequency depends on level of beach use. October to May: Monthly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Alabama does not issue rain advisories.


Alaska

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Beach Water Quality Program Page
Water Quality Map
Contact: Gretchen Pikul, (907) 465-5023, gretchen.pikul@alaska.gov

Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 130 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: There is no indication that Alaska issues rain advisories, but individual counties may choose to do so.


California

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

California Department of Public Health- Recreational Health Program
Beaches and Recreational Waters Program Website
Contact: Eric Trevena, (916) 449-5709, Eric.Trevena@cdph.ca.gov
State Water Resources Control Board
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Karen Black, (916) 341-6899, Karen.Black@waterboards.ca.gov

Sampling Frequency: Varies by county, see below.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Yes. California issues rain advisories before rain storms via county hotlines, newspapers, and radio. California EPA recommends that people avoid swimming in ocean waters during a rain event and for three days after rainfall ceases.

COUNTY/CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Alameda County and East Bay Regional Park District
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Becky Tuden - (510) 544-2353
Del Norte County
Del Norte does not have a beach water quality monitoring program.
Humboldt County
Recreational Water Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Env. Health - (707) 445-6215, envhealth@co.humboldt.ca.us
Los Angeles County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories]
Sampling frequency: : Year-round: Varies Daily - Weekly
Contact: Recreational Waters Program - (626) 430-5360, rhealth@ph.lacounty.gov
City of Long Beach
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Recreational Water Testing Program - (562) 570-4134
Marin County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Environmental Health Services - (415) 473-6907
Mendocino County
Environmental Health Program Page has no specific information regarding beach testing program)
Beach Water Quality Data can be accessed from California State Water Board
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: (707) 234-6625, enviroh@mendocinocounty.org
Monterey County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: November - April: Monthly. May - October: Weekly
Contact: John Ramirez, (831) 755-4539, Ramirezj1@co.monterey.ca.us
Orange County
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Ranges from 1-5 times a week
Contact: Anthony Martinez, (714) 433-6400, AMartinez@ochca.com
San Diego County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly at 43 locations. November - March: Weekly at 17 locations
Contact: Dominique Edwards, (858) 495-5579, dominique.edwards@sdcounty.ca.gov
San Francisco County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Corey Chrisman, (415) 252-3849, Corey.Chrisman@sfdph.org
San Luis Obispo County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Leslie Terry, (805) 781-5553, lterry@co.slo.ca.us
San Mateo County
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Heather Forshey, (650) 372-6200, envhealth@smcgov.org
Santa Barbara County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Marissa Censullo, (805) 346-8345, marissa.censullo@sbcphd.org
Santa Cruz County
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Dr. Audrey Levine, (831) 454-2736, audrey.levine@santacruzcounty.us; John Ricker, (831) 454-2750, john.ricker@santacruzcounty.us
Sonoma County
Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: EH Health & Safety - (707) 565-6565, eh@sonoma-county.org
Ventura County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Advisories
Water Quality Data
Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly at 40 sites. November - March: Weekly at 19 sites
Contact: Pablo Quinto, (805) 654-5040, paolo.quinto@ventura.org

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team
CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team Citizen Monitoring Program Page
Contact: Erick Burres, (213) 576-6788 or (213) 712-6862, Erick.Burres@waterboards.ca.gov
California Citizen Science Monitoring Locations
Searchable Map of Testing Locations and Organizations
Heal the Bay
Beach Report Card and NowCast Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

California Water Quality Monitoring Council
California Harmful Algal Bloom Portal
HAB Incident Reports Map


Connecticut

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Water Quality Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact:: DEEP Office (860) 424-4100; 24 Hour Hotline (866) CT-PARKS or (866) 287-2757
Connecticut State Department of Public Health
Public Beach Program Page
Contact: Stewart Chute, (860) 509-7758, Stewart.Chute@ct.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Not all CT counties issue rain advisories, and those that do use different thresholds. See below:

  • Fairfield Town: preemptive advisory usually issued at saltwater beaches after 1.75 inches of rainfall in 24 hours
  • Town of Stratford: preemptive closure for 24 hours after 1 inch of rainfall, 48-hour closure after 2 inches of rainfall
  • Darien: preemptive closure after 1 inch of rainfall in 24 hours
  • Greenwich: preemptive advisory after 0.5 inches at Byram Beach, and 1 inch at Greenwich Point
  • Bridgeport: preemptive closure for 24 hours after 1 inch of rainfall, 48-hour closure after 2 inches of rainfall

COUNTY/CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Coming soon.


Florida

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

The Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Environmental Health
Healthy Beaches Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: David Polk, (850) 901-6510, david.polk@flhealth.gov

Sampling Frequency: March - October: Every 2 weeks (bi-weekly) unless otherwise noted in County Information below.
Water Quality Standard: 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: There is no indication that Florida issues rain advisories, but individual counties may choose to do so.

COUNTY/CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Bay County
Water Programs Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Brevard County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Broward County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Charlotte County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Collier County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Duval County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Escambia County
Beach Monitoring Program Pag & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Flagler County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Franklin County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs March - October on a weekly basis
Gulf County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs March - October on a weekly basis
Hernando County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Hillsborough County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Indian River County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Lee County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Manatee County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Martin County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Miami/Dade County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Monroe County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Nassau County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Okaloosa County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Palm Beach County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Pasco County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Pinellas County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
St Johns County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Saint Lucie County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Santa Rosa County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sarasota County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
Volusia County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
Wakulla County
Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Walton County
Beach Water Quality Program Page & Contact Info
Water Quality Data & Advisories

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
Red Tide information & current bloom conditions:

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Blue Green Algae & other bloom species info:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection algal bloom response website
Algal Bloom Sampling Results


Illinois

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Contact: (217) 782-4977

Sampling Frequency: May - September: Twice monthly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Illinois does not issue rain advisories.


Indiana

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Indiana's Lake Michigan Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Michelle Caldwell, (219) 464-0419, mcaldwel@idem.IN.gov

Sampling Frequency: Varies by management agency, see details under County Info below.
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Voluntary. Not all coastal counties are required to issue pre-emptive rain advisories but may choose to do so.

LOCAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION


Louisiana

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Louisiana Department of Health
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Steve Backstrom, Coordinator, charles.backstrom@la.gov; Christopher Lemaire, Manager, chris.lemaire@la.gov; Gordon LeBlanc, Administrator, gordon.leblanc@la.gov

Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Louisiana does not issue rain advisories.


Maine

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Maine Healthy Beaches Program, Dept of Environmental Protection
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Tracy Krueger, (207) 215-6851, tracy.krueger@maine.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Not all Maine cities are required to issue rain advisories at beaches, but many issue a 24 hour advisory after 1 inch of rainfall during a 24 hour period. Check if an advisory is posted at [mainehealthybeaches.org].

LOCAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All county contacts listed on this website.


Massachusetts

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Beach Monitoring Program FAQ
Water Quality & Data Advisories
Contact: Mike Celona, mike.celona@state.ma.us, (617) 624-5757; General contact, dph-beach@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston Harbor & Tributary Rivers Water Quality & Data Advisories
Contact: Sally Carroll, (617) 788-4946; Environmental Quality Web.enquad@mwra.state.ma.us

Sampling Frequency: May - August: Weekly to monthly pending level of beach use.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Varies by Beach. Not all MA counties issue rain advisories, and those that do use different thresholds. Boston Bay beaches:

  • Pleasure Bay Beach - Advisory declared if daily rainfall exceeds 2 inches
  • Constitution Beach - Advisory declared if daily rainfall exceeds 1 inch
  • Malibu Beach - Advisory declared if daily rainfall exceeds 0.25 inches
  • Tenean Beach - Advisory declared if daily rainfall exceeds 0.25 inches
  • Wollaston Beach - Advisory declared if daily rainfall exceeds 0.5 inches for Milton and Rice Road, or 0.25 inches for Sachem and Channing

COUNTY/REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Barnstable County Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: bch.info@barnstablecounty.org, (508) 375-6613
Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program
Beach Information Page including water quality data & advisories


Michigan

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Shannon Briggs, (517) 284-5526, briggss4@michigan.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 300 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: On occasion, local health departments will issue rain advisories during severe rain events.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Department of Environmental Quality
Algae Bloom Program Website


Minnesota

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Minnesota Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: (218) 302-6166, health.beaches@state.mn.us

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: At least weekly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Minnesota does issue rain advisories but MDH does warn swimmers to “avoid swimming after a rain event”.

REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Grand Portage Environmental Department
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Mitch Travis, mtravis@boreal.org; Margaret Watkins, watkins@boreal.org; both at (218) 475-2415

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Blue Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms Page
Minnesota Department of Health
Harmful Algal Blooms Information Page


Mississippi

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Emily Cotton, Beach Monitoring Coordinator, (228) 432-3447

Sampling Frequency: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water for bathing beaches, 501 cfu enterococci/100 ml for “all other coastal recreation waters”
Rain Advisories: Mississippi does not issue rain advisories.


New Hampshire

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: David Neils, beaches@des.nh.gov, (603)-271-8865; Amanda McQuaid, (603) 271-0698, amanda.mcquaid@des.nh.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: At least weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: New Hampshire does not issue pre-emptive rain advisories.

Ohio

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Ohio Department of Public Health
Bathing Beach Monitoring Program Page
General Water Quality Data & Advisories and Northeast Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Mary Clifton, (614) 466-6736, mary.clifton@odh.ohio.gov. Beach hotline: 1-866-644-6224

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: At least weekly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Only some Ohio beaches choose to issue rain advisories, learn more here.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Coming soon.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Ohio EPA
Ohio EPA Harmful Algal Bloom Map
Ohio Department of Health
Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Oregon

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Oregon Health Authority
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Tara Chetock, (971) 673-1496, tara.a.chetock@state.or.us; Aaron Borisenko, Aaron.N.BORISENKO@state.or.us
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Contact: Thomas Lossen, (503) 693-5729, Lossen.Thomas@deq.state.or.us; Greg Silver, (503) 693-5734, SILVER.Greg@deq.state.or.us

Sampling Frequency: May 21 - August 31: Every 3 weeks,
Water Quality Standard: 130 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Oregon does not issue rain advisories.


Pennsylvania

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR): Parks Division
For data and program information, see county info below.
Contact: Nick Jacker, (717) 787-2869

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: ~Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Pennsylvania does not indicate if they issue rain advisories.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Erie County
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Chelsey Erickson, (814) 451-6755, cerickson@eriecountygov.org

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Erie County Public Health Department
Current Harmful Algal Bloom Swimming Advisories and Warnings


Texas

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Texas General Land Office (GLO)
Beach Monitoring Information Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Craig Davis, craig.davis@glo.texas.gov, (512) 463-8126

Sampling Frequency: May - September & Spring Break: Weekly. All other times: Every 2 weeks
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Texas GLO does not issue rain advisories.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Coming soon.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Texas Park and Wildlife
Harmful Algal Bloom Information & Status Reports
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Virginia

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Virginia Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Page
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Margaret Smigo, (804) 864-8128, margaret.smigo@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Water Quality Monitoring Program Page
Contact: (804) 698-4000

Sampling Frequency: May-September: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Virginia Department of Health does not issue rain advisories; however, they will issue an advisory if storm conditions are too dangerous for staff to sample the waters.

COUNTY/CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All county contacts listed on this website

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
DEQ Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Page
Contact: James Beckley, (804) 698-4025, James.Beckley@deq.virginia.gov.
List of Citizen Monitoring Programs & Contacts


Washington

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Department of Ecology & Department of Health
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Julianne Ruffner, (360) 407-6154, julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov

Sampling Frequency: Weekly, Memorial Day to Labor Day
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: No. Washington does not post rain advisories.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All county beach water quality information is listed under the "Water quality- beach by beach" section on this website.


Wisconsin

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Beach Health
Beach Water Quality Program Website and FAQ
Water Quality Data & Advisories
Contact: Donalea Dinsmore, (608) 266-1926, donalea.dinsmore@wisconsin.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Twice Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Yes. Wisconsin uses NowCast predictive modeling to issue rain advisories.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All county contacts listed on this website.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Blue Green Algae Homepage
Harmful Algal Blooms Toolkit