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

From Beachapedia

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'''Rain Advisories:''' The Mississippi Beach Task Force has a standing recommendation to not swim during or within 24 hours of a significant rainfall event (defined as greater than 1 inch of rain in a 24-hour period).
 
'''Rain Advisories:''' The Mississippi Beach Task Force has a standing recommendation to not swim during or within 24 hours of a significant rainfall event (defined as greater than 1 inch of rain in a 24-hour period).
 
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<big>'''CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS'''</big>
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::Pearl Riverkeeper
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::::[https://www.theswimguide.org/affiliates/pearl-riverkeeper/ Water Ranger program (Data on SwimGuide)]
 
<big>'''HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION'''</big>
 
<big>'''HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION'''</big>
 
::NOAA Tides & Currents
 
::NOAA Tides & Currents

Revision as of 14:41, 14 June 2019


Introduction

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

Before you head to the beach, it’s important to check local water quality conditions and swim advisories to protect your health and the health of your family. To make it easy, the Surfrider Foundation has assembled key information on beach water quality monitoring programs across the nation. Browse the state index below to see if current water quality information is available for your favorite beach.

Unfortunately, not all U. S. beaches are tested as most government-run beach monitoring programs are forced to prioritize their sampling schedule due to limited funding. Learn about ways you can get involved and secure better water quality and health protections for your coastal playground here.

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Background on Beach Water Quality Monitoring Programs

Every coastal state receives funding through the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act) to help pay for their beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs. Some states also contribute state and local funds to this effort as well. Despite this, not all beaches are covered, and many states stop testing during the cooler, ‘off-season’, winter months due to funding and staff restrictions. States instead prioritize their monitoring programs to cover popular beaches with high use or beaches that are most likely to be polluted and present a health risk to bathers.

Beach water quality testing programs are often managed by health or environmental protection agencies, either at the state, county or city level, or some mixture of all three. These agencies collect water samples at the beach and test them for the presence of enterococcus bacteria at saltwater beaches or E. coli at freshwater beaches. While generally harmless themselves, these bacteria indicate the presence of fecal pollution (human or animal waste) and the presence of more harmful pathogens that can make you sick. Low levels of indicator bacteria are generally considered safe for swimming. Health risk increases, however, with higher levels of bacteria. Learn more about the health threats from recreating in polluted coastal waters here.

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The EPA developed recommendations for water quality criteria to be used by states as health standards to protect swimmer health in recreational waters. These criteria are based on the concentration of bacteria measured in a sample of water (either enterococcus or E. coli). Bacteria is measured by physically counting bacteria cultures, reported as coliform forming units (cfu), or by using an estimation method to calculate the most probable number (MPN) of bacteria.

Example of a water quality standard: 104 colony forming units (cfu) enterococci bacteria/100 ml water

At beaches, the water quality criteria most widely used to make management decisions, such as issuing swim advisories and opening or closing beaches, is called the Beach Action Value (BAV). BAV’s are mainly determined by the bacteria threshold for a single sample (referred to as a “single sample maximum”) but some states may also use other calculation methods, like geometric means (the rolling average of water quality overtime) or bacteria ratios (like total coliform: fecal coliform) to help with decision making. In this resource, we provide the single sample maximum for each state for simplicity and clarity. While BAVs vary state by state, if a water sample exceeds this health standard, either a swim advisory or beach closure is issued depending on state protocols, the severity of the exceedance and/or sources of pollution. Warning signs are posted at beaches to inform the public of the health risk, and in most cases, shared online as well.

High bacteria exceedances can happen at any time, but often occur during and following a rain event. Rain falling over developed coastal areas results in polluted stormwater and urban runoff reaching the beach that could contain animal waste, untreated sewage, toxic substances, and more. While variable by location and weather, it can take three days or more for water quality conditions to return to safe levels after it rains. Most states strongly recommend against entering coastal waters after a rain, and some even issue preemptive rain advisories to warn beach-goers of the increased risk of swimming.

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring/Citizen Science Programs

In addition to state or county beach water quality monitoring programs, many beaches are also tested by non-profit or educational organizations. These volunteer programs are designed to help fill in the gaps of government funded beach water quality programs and to build community awareness of local water quality issues. Decisions to issue swim advisories and beach closures, however, can only be made by government agencies.

Other National Resources for Beach Water Quality Information

In addition to this resource, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Beaches Website and the SwimGuide also provide great information on coastal beach water quality across the U.S. The EPA’s Beaches Website includes an interactive national list of beaches monitored, state program contacts and a searchable database for beach advisories and closures. The SwimGuide mobile app and website managed by Swim Drink Fish Canada provides current water quality information and amenity descriptions for over 7,000 beaches, lakes, rivers, and swimming holes in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, the Bahamas, Ireland, France, New Zealand, and Australia. Swim Guide is available in English, French, and Spanish.

How to Read this Document

Presented below is guidance on how to access the most up-to-date information on local water quality conditions in every coastal state. The agencies responsible for running beach water quality monitoring programs are provided, as are links to each program's website, primary contact information, and information on sampling frequency and testing season. We also clarify if preemptive rain advisories are used and what single sample water quality standard, or Beach Action Value, is used to issue swim advisories or beach closures in every state. Resources that provide current information on the status of harmful algal blooms, or opportunities to report harmful algal blooms are also provided. Lastly, citizen science programs that generate additional water quality information beyond the state database are presented as well. Note that some citizen science programs actually contribute to the state's database (such as in Washington state), but since their data is already incorporated in the state resource, additional links are not provided. If there are other citizen science groups collecting additional bacteria-based water quality information at recreational beaches, please contact us at beachapedia@surfrider.org.

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State Reports


Alabama

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Suzi Rice, (251) 450-3415, srice@adem.alabama.gov

Sampling Frequency: May - September: Varies from twice per week to every two weeks pending on level of beach use; October - April: Monthly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Alabama does not issue rain advisories.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Coosa River Keeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Alabama Water Watch
Water Quality Monitoring Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Mobile Baykeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

NOAA Tides & Currents
Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Alaska

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data
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.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

SeaGrant Alaska
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Alaska


California

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

State Water Resources Control Board
Beach Water Quality Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Karen Black, (916) 341-6899, Karen.Black@waterboards.ca.gov

Sampling Frequency: At least weekly but varies by county, see below. Counties north of San Francisco sample seasonally (April - October), all others sample year-round.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water but counties may chose to use other standards for beach management decisions (such as fecal coliform, total coliform, or a total:fecal ratio)
Rain Advisories: Counties may choose to issue rain advisories before rain storms via county hotlines, newspapers, and radio, but it is not mandatory. 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, East Bay Regional Park District & Contra Costa County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Hal MacLean, (510) 544-2328, hmaclean@ebparks.org
Humboldt County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: (707) 445-6215, envhealth@co.humboldt.ca.us
Los Angeles County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Ranges from 1-5 times per week
Contact: Recreational Waters Program, (626) 430-5360, rhealth@ph.lacounty.gov
City of Long Beach
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Recreational Water Testing Program, (562) 570-4134
Marin County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Environmental Health Services, (415) 473-6907
Mendocino County
Environmental Health Program Website does not provide information on a 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 Website including water quality data and 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 Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Ranges from 1-5 times per week
Contact: Anthony Martinez, (714) 433-6400, AMartinez@ochca.com
San Diego County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly at 43 beaches; November - March: Weekly at 17 beaches
Contact: Dominique Edwards, (858) 495-5579, dominique.edwards@sdcounty.ca.gov
San Francisco County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Corey Chrisman, (415) 252-3849, Corey.Chrisman@sfdph.org
San Luis Obispo County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Leslie Terry, (805) 781-5553, lterry@co.slo.ca.us
San Mateo County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Heather Forshey, (650) 372-6200, envhealth@smcgov.org
Santa Barbara County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Contact: Marissa Censullo, (805) 346-8345, marissa.censullo@sbcphd.org
Santa Cruz County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and 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 Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: EH Health and Safety, (707) 565-6565, eh@sonoma-county.org
Ventura County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Advisories
Water Quality Data
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly at 40 beaches; November - March: Weekly at 19 beaches
Contact: Paolo Quinto, (805) 654-5040, paolo.quinto@ventura.org

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team
SWAMP Clean Water Citizen Monitoring Program Website
California Citizen Science Monitoring Locations
Searchable Map of Testing Locations and Organizations
Heal the Bay
Beach Report Card and NowCast Website
Los Angeles Waterkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Orange County Coastkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
San Diego Coastkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
South Yuba River Citizens League
River Monitoring Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

California Water Quality Monitoring Council
California Harmful Algal Bloom Portal
HAB Incident Reports Map
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in California
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Weekly Status of Toxic Marine Phytoplankton
CDPH Biotoxin Information Hotline for Marine Toxin Health Advisories: 800-553-4133


Connecticut

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
State Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories for state beaches only
Contact: DEEP Office, (860) 424-4100; 24 Hour Hotline, (866) CT-PARKS or (866) 287-2757
Connecticut State Department of Public Health
Public Beach Monitoring Program Website
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 local health departments issue rain advisories, and those that do use different thresholds. See city/town information below.

CITY/TOWN BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Darien Town
Health Department Website with Link to Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are not posted online. Information on results and closures is available by calling (203) 656-7323.
Contact: David Knauf, dknauf@darienct.gov, (203) 656-7320
Rain Closure: Rain closures are issued for 24 hours after 1 inch of rainfall in a 24-hour period.
East Shore District Health Department (Branford, East Haven and North Branford Towns)
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are not posted online. Information on results and closures is available by calling (203) 481-4233.
Contact: (203) 481-4233, info@esdhd.org
Fairfield Town
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: (203) 256-3020, scleary@town.fairfield.ct.us
Rain Closure: Rain closures are usually issued at saltwater beaches for 24 hours after 1.75 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period.
Greenwich Town
Beach Monitoring Program Website including beach status and advisories
Water quality data and advisories are not posted online. Information on results and closures is available by calling (203) 622-7855.
Contact: Michael Long, (203) 622-7838
Rain Closure: Rain closures are issued for 24 hours after 0.5 inches at Byram Beach (May - Sept), after 1 inch at Greenwich Point (Aug - Sept), and after 1.5 inches at Greenwich Point (July).
Ledge Light Health District (East Lyme, New London, Groton, Waterford, Old Lyme Towns)
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
Contact: Danielle Holmes, (860) 448-4882 x1329, dholmes@llhd.org
Madison Town
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are not posted online. Information on results and closures are available by calling (203) 245-5681.
Contact: Trent Joseph, (203) 245-5681, josepht@madisonct.org
Milford City
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are not posted online. Information on results and closures at City beaches is available by calling (203) 783-3285. For data and advisory information at Silver Stands State Beach, call (866) 287-2757.
Contact: (203) 783-3285
New Haven City
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Lighthouse Point Park beach is monitored, results are not posted online. Call for water quality status.
Contact: (203) 946-8174
Norwalk City
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: (203) 854-7776
Stamford City
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
Contact: Deborah Miller, 203-977-4367; Health Department hotline, (203) 977-5889 x3
Stratford Town
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are available by calling:
Stratford Health Department, (203) 385-4090, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Stratford Recreation Department, (203) 385-4052, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Stratford Recreation Department answering machine on Sundays, (203) 385-4129
Rain Closure: Rain closures are issued for 24 hours after 1 inch of rainfall, and for 48 hours after 2 inches of rainfall in a 24 hour period.
West Haven City
Beaches and Shoreline Website
Water quality advisories and closures will be posted on the main page of the city website
Contact: (203) 937-3660
Westport and Weston Cities
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures
Contact: (203) 227-9571

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Report Cyanobacteria Blooms in Connecticut


Delaware

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Recreational Water Program
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Michael Bott, (302) 739-9939, Michael.bott@state.de.us; 24-hour hotline: 1-800-922-WAVE

Sampling Frequency: May (first Monday) - September (last Monday): Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Delaware does not issue rain advisories.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

University of Delaware
Citizen Monitoring Website
Contact: Ed Whereat, Program Coordinator, 302-645-4252, whereat@udel.edu

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Water
Cyanobacteria Information Page


Florida

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

The Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Environmental Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: David Polk, (850) 901-6510, david.polk@flhealth.gov

Sampling Frequency: Every 2 weeks unless otherwise noted in County Information below. Counties north of Indian River and Pinellas are sampled during season (March - October), counties south are sampled year-round.
Water Quality Standard: 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: There is no indication that Florida issues rain advisories.

COUNTY/CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Bay County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Brevard County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Broward County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Charlotte County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Collier County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Duval County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Escambia County
Beach Monitoring Program Pag and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Flagler County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Franklin County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: March - October: Weekly
Gulf County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: March - October: Weekly
Hernando County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Hillsborough County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Indian River County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Lee County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Manatee County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Martin County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Miami/Dade County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Monroe County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Nassau County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Okaloosa County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Palm Beach County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Pasco County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Pinellas County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
St Johns County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Saint Lucie County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Santa Rosa County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sarasota County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Volusia County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Wakulla County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Walton County
Beach Water Quality Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Miami Waterkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Map and Current Status of Red Tides
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Algal Bloom Sampling Results
Cyanobacteria Weekly Updates
Report Algal Blooms in Florida


Georgia

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Coastal Resources Division
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: Elizabeth Cheney, (912) 264-7218, Elizabeth_Cheney@dnr.state.ga.us
Georgia Department of Public Health - Coastal Health District
Beach Water Testing Program Website
Contact: (912) 262-2300

Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly to monthly pending level of beach use.
Water Quality Standard: 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Georgia does not issue rain advisories, but will issue preemptive advisories for large storms, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Chattahoochee River Conservancy
Neighborhood Water Watch


Hawaii

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Hawaii Department of Health
Clean Water Branch Program Website
Beach Water Quality Data and Current Advisories.
Contact: Alec Wong, (808) 586-4309, alec.wong@doh.hawaii.gov; Myron Honda, myron.honda@doh.hawaii.gov

Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly in Kauai, Maui and Oahu; every other week in Hawai’i (Big Island) at high use beaches
Water Quality Standard: 130 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Hawaii issues “Brown Water Advisories (BWA’s),” for heavy rainfall or flash flood warnings.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website


Illinois

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Craig Steinheimer, (217) 782-5830, craig.steinheimer@illinois.gov

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

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Statewide Harmful Algal Bloom Program
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Illinois


Indiana

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Michelle Caldwell, (219) 464-0419, mcaldwel@idem.IN.gov
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Park Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories and closures
Contact: (219) 926-1952

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily, unless otherwise stated.
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Voluntary. Not all coastal counties are required to issue preemptive rain advisories but may choose to do so.

CITY/COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachGuard website.
Contact: (219) 762-7561
Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly
LaPorte County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachGuard website.
Contact: (219) 326-6808 x2200, lphealth@laportecounty.org
Sampling Season: Mid-May - late-August: 3 times per week
Michigan City
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: (219) 873-1506, Beach Hotline: (219) 873-1406 x390
Town of Ogden Dunes
Beach Information Website
Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachGuard website.
Contact: (219) 762-4125

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Indiana State Department of Health
Map and Current Algal Blooms in Indiana
Report Algal Blooms in Indiana


Louisiana

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Louisiana Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and 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.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Recreational Water Monitoring Program (Data on SwimGuide)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

NOAA Tides & Currents
Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Maine

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Department of Environmental Protection - Healthy Beaches Program
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Meagan Sims, (207) 530-2518, meagan.sims@maine.gov; 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: Voluntary, some towns and state parks issue a 24 hour advisory after 1 inch of rainfall during a 24 hour period.

LOCAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All local contacts listed on this website.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Algal Bloom Risk by Lake
Report Algal Blooms in Maine


Maryland

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Maryland Department of Environment
Healthy Beaches Program Website and Maryland Beaches Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Heather Merritt, (410) 537-3906, heather.merritt@maryland.gov; General information, 1 (800) 633-6101, x3618

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Ranges weekly to monthly pending level of beach use.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Bathers are cautioned to avoid swimming in waters after a significant rain event, but official rain advisories are not posted. On Maryland Healthy Beaches Program website, users can find out how much rain has fallen at each beach using the Current Conditions tab.

LOCAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Anne Arundel County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Water Quality Advisories and Closures
Contact: (410) 222-7241. A 24 hour automated test results phone line is available at (410) 222-7999.
Baltimore County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
Water Quality Data
Contact: (410) 887-3663, ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov
Calvert County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Advisories
Contact: Matthew Cumers, (410) 535-3922, mdh-dl-calchd-environmentalhealthcchd@maryland.gov
Cecil County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: Fred VonStaden, (410) 996-5160, info@cecilcountyhealth.org
Kent County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Current advisories and closures are listed on the state's water quality portal.
Contact: John Beskid, (410) 778-1361, john.beskid@maryland.gov
St. Mary's County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures and advisories
Contact: (301) 475-4321, smchd.healthdept@maryland.gov
Wicomico County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures and advisories
Contact: (410) 546-4446
Worcester County
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Robert Mitchell, (410) 632-1220, bmitchell@co.worcester.md.us

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

ShoreRivers
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Maryland Eyes on the Bay
Map of Current Harmful Algal Blooms
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Maryland


Massachusetts

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality and Data Advisories
Contact: Mike Celona, (617) 624-5757, mike.celona@state.ma.us; General contact, dph-beach@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Dennis Fitzpatrick, (617) 626-1302, dennis.fitzpatrick@mass.gov; Water Quality Hotline: (617) 626-4972
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston Harbor and Tributary Rivers Water Quality and Data Advisories
Contact: Sally Carroll, (617) 788-4946; Environmental Quality Web.enquad@mwra.state.ma.us

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily to monthly depending on level of use and water quality
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Massachusetts Department of Health will issue rain advisories after a certain amount of rain has fallen within a 24 hour period. Thresholds vary by beach and range from 0.25 inches to 2 inches.

COUNTY/REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Cape Cod/Barnstable County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: (508) 375-6613, bch.info@barnstablecounty.org

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Red Tide Monitoring
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Report Algal Blooms in Massachusetts


Michigan

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and 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
Report Algal Blooms in Michigan
NOAA Tides & Currents
Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Minnesota

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Minnesota Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Cindy Hakala, (218) 302-6166, cynthia.hakala@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 not issue official rain advisories, but MDH warns swimmers to “avoid swimming after a rain event”.

REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Grand Portage
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Mitch Travis, mtravis@boreal.org; Margaret Watkins, mwatkins@grandportage.com; both at (218) 475-2415

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Blue Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms Website
Minnesota Department of Health
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Minnesota


Mississippi

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Emily Cotton, (228) 432-3447, emily_cotton@deq.state.ms.us

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: The Mississippi Beach Task Force has a standing recommendation to not swim during or within 24 hours of a significant rainfall event (defined as greater than 1 inch of rain in a 24-hour period).

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Pearl Riverkeeper
Water Ranger program (Data on SwimGuide)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

NOAA Tides & Currents
Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


New Hampshire

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: 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 preemptive rain advisories.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Current Beach and Cyanobacteria Advisories
Report Cyanobacteria Bloom


New Jersey

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data, advisories and closures
Contact: Sheri Shifren, (609) 292-1623, Sheri.Shifren@dep.nj.gov; Hotline: 1 (877) WARNDEP

Sampling Frequency: Two weeks before Memorial Day - End of beach season (~September 30): Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water (beach management decisions can also be made using a 30 day geometric mean of 30 cfu enterococci/100 ml water)
Rain Advisories: New Jersey does not currently issue preemptive rain advisories; however, the Department of Environmental Protection does have an automatic preemptive closure policy for the four Wreck Pond Beaches when the concrete outfall opens or an emergency spillway is cut through the beach during extreme rain conditions.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Atlantic County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Contact: Pat Dillon, (609) 645-5971; Harold Reaves, (609) 347-5671 for Atlantic City
Cape May County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Contact: Linda Wilde (609) 465-1209; Hotline: (609) 463-6581
Monmouth County Health Department
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Contact: Dave Sorensen, (732) 431-7456
Ocean County Health Department
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Contact: Peter Curatolo, (732) 341-9700 x2

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

New Jersey Division of Water Monitoring and Standards
Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program
Report Cyanobacteria Bloom


New York

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

New York State Department of Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data, advisories and closures
Contact: Amanda Tarrier, (518) 402-7600, amanda.tarrier@health.ny.gov; rec.section@health.ny.gov
New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data, advisories and closures for State Park Beaches
Water quality data and advisories can also be accessed by calling the park: (518) 474-0409
Contact: (518) 474-0409, Water.Quality@parks.ny.gov

Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly, unless otherwise stated under County Info below.
Water Quality Standard: 104 enterococci/100 ml marine water and 236 cfu E. coli/100 ml freshwater
Rain Advisories: Rain advisories vary by county and beach type.

Saltwater Beach Rain Advisories
New York City- advisories issued after 0.3 inches (near Queens) to 2.5 inches (parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island) of rainfall within 24 hours, with warning durations from 12 to 74 hours pending amount of rain and location.
Westchester County- advisories issued after 0.5 inches to 2 inches of rainfall within 24 hours, with warning durations from 24 to 48 hours pending amount of rainfall. Specific thresholds by beach are available here.
Suffolk County- advisories are issued after 1 inch of rainfall within 24 hours.
Freshwater Beach Rain Advisories
Greenlake Beach in Erie County issues an automatic closure for 24 hours after 0.5 inches of rainfall or more.

CITY/COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Cayuga County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Contact: (315) 253-1405, cchealth@cayugacounty.us
Chautauqua County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and closures
Contact: Director of Environmental Health, Mark Stow, 716-753-4481, stowm@co.chautauqua.ny.us
Sampling Frequency: June - September: At least weekly
Erie County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including beach manager contact info
Water Quality Data, Advisories, and Closures
Contact: Rebecca Whiteman, (716) 961-6800
Sampling Frequency: May - September: At least weekly (State Park beaches collect daily). Beach status is also determined by daily predictions generated by the USGS Nowcast beach water quality model.
Monroe County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality advisories and closures are available on the Beach Information Hotline: (585) 753-5887
Contact: (585) 753-5057
Sampling Frequency: May - September: Varies from daily to weekly
Nassau County
Environmental Health Program Website
Water quality advisories and closures are available on the Information Hotline: (516) 227-9700
Contact: (516) 227-9717
Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly or every two weeks
New York City (Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond)
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: (212) 504-4115
Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly for all beaches except for Rockaway and Breezy Point beaches, which are sampled every two weeks.
Niagara County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories and closures
Contact: (716) 439-7444
Sampling Frequency: May - August: Weekly
Oswego County
Environmental Health Website
Contact: Chris Williams, (315) 349-3557
Sampling Frequency: June - Labor Day: Weekly
Suffolk County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories and Closures, can also call the Beach Hotline: (631) 852-5822
Contacts: Nancy B. Pierson, (631) 852-5760, Nancy.Pierson@suffolkcountyny.gov
Season Frequency: May - September: At least weekly at high use and high risk beaches
Watertown District Office (Jefferson and Lewis Counties)
Contact: (315) 785-2277
Sampling Frequency: June - August: Every two weeks
Westchester County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories by Beach
Contact: (914) 813-5000; public beach contact information available here.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Map and Current Status of Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms
Report Harmful Algal Bloom in New York


North Carolina

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Current Advisories
Contact: Erin Bryan-millush, (252) 808-8153, erin.bryan-millush@ncdenr.gov; General number (877) 623-6748; Staff Directory

Sampling Frequency: April - September: Weekly to every two weeks pending level of beach use; October: Every two weeks; November - March: Monthly
Water Quality Standard: 104 mpn enterococci/100 ml water (Tier 1/heavy use beaches for an “alert”); 276 mpn enterococci/100 ml water (Tier 2/medium use beaches for an “alert”) and 500 mpn enterococci/100 ml water (Tier 1 and 2 for an “advisory” after just one sample, Tier 3/low use beach after two samples)
Rain Advisories: North Carolina will issue a precautionary 24-hour rain advisories during times of high stormwater and floodwater runoff.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Wake County Environmental Services (fresh water recreation)
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
Historical Water Quality Data
Contact: Melinda Clark, (919) 856-5531, melinda.clark@wakegov.com; full contact list here.
Sample Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: ~Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water; 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Map and Current Status of Harmful Algal Blooms


Ohio

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Ohio Department of Public Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Mary Shaffer, (614) 466-6736, mary.shaffer@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

Cuyahoga County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: Tom Fink, (216) 201-2000 x1226, tfink@ccbh.net; Barry Grisez, (216) 201-2000 x1232, bgrisez@ccbh.net
Erie County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: (419) 626-5623 x115; 24-Hour Toll Free, (888) 399-6065
Lake County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories predicted by Nowcast Modeling available from USGS.
Contact: Recreation Programs, (440) 350 2543
Lorain County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's BeachGuard website.
Contact: Contact@LorainCountyHealth.com, (440) 322-6367 or (440) 244-2209
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewage District
Beaches Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Contact: (216) 641-6000

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Ohio EPA
Harmful Algal Bloom Map
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Ohio
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 Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Tara Chetock, (971) 673-1496, tara.a.chetock@state.or.us; Aaron Borisenko, aaron.n.borisenko@state.or.us
Department of Environmental Quality
Recreational Water Quality at Oregon Beaches Website
Contact: Thomas Lossen, lossen.thomas@deq.state.or.us

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

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Oregon Health Authority
Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Oregon


Pennsylvania

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

The program is managed at the county level only, see below.

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 Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Chelsey Erickson, (814) 451-6755, cerickson@eriecountygov.org

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

The Regional Science Consortium
Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories


Puerto Rico

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Junta de Calidad Ambiental (JCA) of Puerto Rico, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Beach Monitoring Program Website
CariCOOS Water Quality Data and Notifications and JCA Water Quality Results
Contact: Ángel R. Meléndez Aguilar, (787) 767-8181 x3477, angelmelendez@jca.pr.gov; Tainia M. Metz Estrella, Tmetz@drna.gobierno.pr

Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Every two weeks
Water Quality Standard: 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Agencies will warn the public that it is not recommended to enter water bodies until twenty-four hours after a heavy rainfall, but the island does not issue official rain advisories.

REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

San Juan Bay National Estuary Program
Water Quality Monitoring Program Website
Contact: Brenda Torres, (787) 725-8165, btorres@estuario.org

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website


Rhode Island

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Map of Sampling Sites
Water Quality Data and Closures, also available in a Silverlight app for desktops
Contact: Sherry Poucher, (401) 222-7727, sherry.poucher@health.ri.gov; Hotline (401) 222-2751

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

Narragansett Bay Commission
Bay Pathogen Monitoring Program Website including historical water quality data
Water Quality of Participating Beaches
Contact: snapshot@narrabay.com

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website
University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch
Watershed Watch Program Website including water quality data
Contact: Linda Green, Program Director, (401) 874-2905, lgreen@uri.edu

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Weekly Water Quality and Harmful Algal Bloom Report
Report Blooms by Calling 401-222-4700 or Emailing dem.owrcyano@dem.ri.gov


South Carolina

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: David Graves for marine sampling, (803) 898-4398, gravesda@dhec.sc.gov; Luke Able for freshwater sampling, (803) 898-4255, abellt@dhec.sc.gov

Sampling Frequency: May 1 - October 1: Weekly to every two weeks pending level of beach use
Water Quality Standard: 500 cfu enterococci/100 ml water (104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water for two consecutive samples)
Rain Advisories: South Carolina does not issue rain advisories but will issue preemptive advisories during extreme weather events including hurricanes, tropical storms, and torrential rains.

REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

Coastal Carolina University
Waccamaw Watershed Academy Volunteer Water Testing Program Website
Water Quality Data and Historical Trends Beach Monitoring Home Website
Contact: Dr. Susan Libes, (843) 349-4028, susan@coastal.edu
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Every two weeks

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

South Carolina Task Group on Harmful Algae
Report Algal Blooms in South Carolina


Texas

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Texas General Land Office (GLO)
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Lucy Flores, (512) 463-5134, Lucy.Flores@glo.texas.gov

Sampling Frequency: May - September and 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

Each coastal county submits results to the State's BeachWatch program.
Contact: For a list of county-level agencies and contractors participating in beach monitoring and their contact information, see Appendix C of the Texas BeachWatch Program QAPP.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Beach Monitoring Program Website for South Padre Island and Boca Chica Beach
Contact: coastal@utrgv.edu, (956) 761-2644
Monitoring Frequency: Weekly during high tourist seasons and biweekly during low tourist seasons

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Texas Parks and Wildlife
Report and Find Status of Harmful Algal Blooms
NOAA Tides & Currents
Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast


Virginia

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

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

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
DEQ Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Website
Contact: James Beckley, (804) 698-4025, James.Beckley@deq.virginia.gov.
List of Citizen Monitoring Programs and Contacts

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Virginia Department of Health
Harmful Algal Bloom Status and Advisories
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Virginia


Washington

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

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

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: 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.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Washington State Toxic Algae Monitoring Program
Harmful Algal Bloom Status
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Washington


Wisconsin

STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Beach Health
Beach Monitoring Program Website and FAQ
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Donalea Dinsmore, (608) 266-1926, donalea.dinsmore@wisconsin.gov; Madeline Magee, (608) 266-5228, Madeline.Magee@wisconsin.gov

Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day to Labor Day: At least weekly (ranges from 1 to 5 times per week pending level of beach use)
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Wisconsin uses NowCast predictive modeling to issue rain advisories.

COUNTY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION

All county contacts are listed on this website.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Blue-Green Algae Homepage
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Report Harmful Algal Blooms in Wisconsin