Difference between revisions of "Beach Water Quality Monitoring Programs in Coastal States"
From Beachapedia
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::Coming soon. | ::Coming soon. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Delaware== | ||
+ | <big>'''STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION'''</big> | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | '''Participating State Agencies:''' | ||
+ | ::Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Shellfish and Recreational Water Program | ||
+ | ::::[http://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/RecWater/Default.aspx Recreational Water Program Page] | ||
+ | ::::[https://data.delaware.gov/Energy-and-Environment/Recreational-Water-Advisories/ever-58ni Water Quality Data & Advisories] | ||
+ | ::::Contact: Debbie Rouse, 302-739-9939, debbie.rouse@state.de.us; 24-hour hotline 1-800-922-WAVE | ||
+ | '''Sampling Frequency:''' Mid May - Labor Day: Weekly | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | '''Water Quality Standard:''' 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | '''Rain Advisories:''' There a no rain advisories but Delaware does have two permanent swimming advisories due to high bird populations in the Inland Bay waters of Rehoboth and Indian River. | ||
+ | <big>'''CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS'''</big> | ||
+ | ::University of Delaware | ||
+ | ::::[https://www.citizen-monitoring.udel.edu/ Citizen Monitoring Page] | ||
+ | ::::Contact: Ed Whereat, Program Coordinator, 302-645-4252, whereat@udel.edu | ||
+ | <br><br> | ||
==Florida== | ==Florida== |
Revision as of 17:54, 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
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) & Department of Public Health (ADPH)
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
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
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
- California Department of Public Health- Recreational Health Program
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
- Alameda County and East Bay Regional Park District
- Del Norte County
- Del Norte does not have a beach water quality monitoring program.
- Del Norte County
- 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
- Humboldt County
- 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
- Los Angeles County
- 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
- City of Long Beach
- Marin County
- Beach Monitoring Program Page including Water Quality Data & Advisories
- Sampling frequency: April - October: Weekly
- Contact: Environmental Health Services - (415) 473-6907
- Marin County
- 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
- Mendocino County
- 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
- Monterey County
- 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
- Orange County
- 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 Diego County
- 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 Francisco County
- 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 Luis Obispo County
- 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
- San Mateo County
- 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 Barbara County
- 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
- Santa Cruz County
- 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
- Sonoma County
- 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
- Ventura County
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
- CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team
- California Citizen Science Monitoring Locations
- Heal the Bay
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- California Water Quality Monitoring Council
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
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
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: Pre-emptive advisory usually issued at saltwater beaches after 1.75 inches of rainfall in 24 hours
- Town of Stratford: Pre-emptive closure for 24 hours after 1 inch of rainfall, 48-hour closure after 2 inches of rainfall
- Darien: Pre-emptive closure after 1 inch of rainfall in 24 hours
- Greenwich: Pre-emptive advisory after 0.5 inches at Byram Beach, and 1 inch at Greenwich Point
- Bridgeport: Pre-emptive 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.
Delaware
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Shellfish and Recreational Water Program
- Recreational Water Program Page
- Water Quality Data & Advisories
- Contact: Debbie Rouse, 302-739-9939, debbie.rouse@state.de.us; 24-hour hotline 1-800-922-WAVE
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Shellfish and Recreational Water Program
Sampling Frequency: Mid May - Labor Day: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: There a no rain advisories but Delaware does have two permanent swimming advisories due to high bird populations in the Inland Bay waters of Rehoboth and Indian River.
CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- University of Delaware
- Citizen Monitoring Page
- Contact: Ed Whereat, Program Coordinator, 302-645-4252, whereat@udel.edu
- University of Delaware
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
- The Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Environmental Health
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
- Brevard County
- 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
- Escambia County
- Beach Monitoring Program Pag & Contact Info
- Water Quality Data & Advisories
- Sampling occurs year-round on a weekly basis
- Flagler County
- 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
- 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
- Okaloosa County
- Palm Beach County
- Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
- Water Quality Data & Advisories
- Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
- Beach Monitoring Program Page & Contact Info
- Water Quality Data & Advisories
- Sampling occurs year-round on a bi-weekly basis
- St Johns County
- 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
- 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
- Walton County
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
Red Tide information & current bloom conditions:
Blue Green Algae & other bloom species info:
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
- Illinois Department of Public Health
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
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management
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
- Coming soon.
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
- Louisiana Department of Health
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
- Maine Healthy Beaches Program, Dept of Environmental Protection
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
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health
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. For 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
- Barnstable County Department of Health
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
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
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
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
- Minnesota Department of Health
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
- Grand Portage Environmental Department
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Minnesota Department of Health
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
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
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
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service
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
- Ohio Department of Public Health
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 Department of Health
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 Health Authority
- 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
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
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
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR): Parks Division
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
- Erie County
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Erie County Public Health Department
Rhode Island
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
- Beach Monitoring Program Page and Map of Sampling Sites
- Water Quality Data & Closures
- Contact: Sherry Poucher, 401-222-7727, sherry.poucher@health.ri.gov; Hotline 401-222-2751
- Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
Sampling Frequency: May 30 - August 31: Weekly to monthly pending level of beach use (Tier)
Water Quality Standard: 60 cfu enterococci/100 ml water (closures only, no advisories)
Rain Advisories: Rhode Island agencies do not issue rain advisories, but two beaches use 0.5 inches of rain to trigger additional testing.
REGIONAL/COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
- Coming soon.
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
- Texas General Land Office (GLO)
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
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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
- Virginia Department of Health
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
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
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
- Department of Ecology & Department of Health
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
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Beach Health
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