Washington, D.C. -- A recent EPA survey revealed that swimming conditions aren't any safer at nearly 1,900 beaches nationwide than they were in the previous year.
The voluntary survey, part of EPA's BEACH Watch program, showed that more than one-quarter (459) of the reported beaches were affected by at least one advisory or closure during 1999. Elevated bacteria levels, primarily from sewage overflows or stormwater runoff, were the main reason given for the warnings.
Over the last three years since the surveys began, the number of beaches which the states have reported has tripled; however, the percentage of advisories and beach closures has remained consistent, indicating continuing water quality impairment. The l999 information came from state and local environmental and public health officials from all coastal and Great Lakes states. They reported on local conditions, monitoring practices and health advisories or beach closures due to water pollution.
The survey also shows that state and local monitoring programs are inconsistent, with at least one-third monitoring fewer than five times per month. Some programs use EPA-recommended indicators, but a number are still using older measures.
EPA uses the BEACH Watch data to help states set recreational water quality standards and provide better monitoring and information to the public.
This summer, EPA will propose tighter standards to reduce sewer overflows. BEACH Watch information and information on new stormwater regulations is at http://www.epa.gov/ost/beaches.
