United States Office of Water EPA-823-F-00-013
Environmental Protection (4305) July 2000
Agency
&EPA EPA's BEACH Watch Program:
1999 Swimming Season
Overview
EPA is releasing data from the third annual National Health Protection Survey of Beaches for the
1999 swimming season. State and local environmental and public health officials voluntarily
returned information on water quality at 1,891 beaches, 35 percent more beaches than last year
and approximately 50 percent more beaches than two years ago. The survey shows that 459
beaches (24 percent of the reported beaches) were affected by at least one advisory or closing.
The 24 percent of beaches affected is essentially the same percentage reported over the last two
years, indicating the continuing importance of monitoring and closing beaches when necessary.
The leading reasons cited for water quality impairment at beaches were elevated bacteria levels
and rain events (stormwater runoff). EPA established the Beaches Environmental Assessment,
Closure and Health (BEACH) Program in 1997. The goal of the program is to significantly
reduce the risk of waterborne illness to users of the nation's recreational waters through
improvements in recreational water protection programs, public communication, and scientific
advances in monitoring methods. This information is on the Beach Standards, Monitoring, &
Notification website.
BEACH Watch Survey Findings
In the third year of EPA's BEACH Watch Survey, state and local environmental and public
health officials from all coastal and Great Lake states reported on 1,891 beaches for the 1999
swimming season. The geographic participation of the reported beaches included 1,074 coastal
beaches, 289 Great Lake beaches, and 528 inland beaches. When the 1999 survey data is
compared to previous reporting data, state and local officials reported on 500 and 900 more
beaches than the 1998 and 1997 swimming seasons respectively.
Annual Comparison of Survey Participation and Beach Advisory/Closure Data
Total Number of beaches reported
Total Number of beaches affected by one or more advisories or closings
Percentage of all beaches affected by one or more advisories or closings
1997
1,021
230
23%
1998
1,403
353
25%
1999
1,891
459
24%
Of the 1,891 beaches that were reported in the 1999 survey, 459 (24 percent) were affected by an
advisory or closure. Compared to the previous 2 years, the percent of beaches which have been
affected by at least one advisory or closing was approximately the same.
-------
EPA recommends monitoring recreational water five times per month to calculate a five sample
geometric mean for E. coli and enterococci. The monitoring data indicates that more uniform and
extensive monitoring is needed at the Nation's beaches. The results of the survey showed beach
monitoring programs are inconsistent:
• 62 percent of beaches were monitored at least once per week, if not more frequently
• 34 percent of beaches were monitored less than once per week.
• 4 percent of beaches were monitored only after a rain or episodic event (spill).
Sources of Beach Water Pollution
Beaches are polluted by a number of sources. Sewage treatment plant malfunctions, sewage
overflows, boating wastes and leaking septic systems contribute to microbial contamination of
beach water quality. Runoff containing sewage, animal waste, fertilizer, pesticides, trash and
other pollutants from construction sites, farms, and urban sources (lawns and streets) during and
after a heavy rain may also contribute to beach water quality impairment.
Human Health Effects of Swimming in Polluted Beach Water
Swimming in unsafe water may result in minor illnesses, such as sore throats or diarrhea or more
serious illnesses such as meningitis, encephalitis, or severe gastroenteritis. Children, the elderly,
and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick when they
come in contact with contaminated water. EPA recommends that state and local officials monitor
water quality and issue an advisory or closure when beaches are unsafe for swimming. By
issuing beach advisories and closings, state and local officials are reducing swimmer exposure to
contaminated water and protecting public health.
How Health Advisories are Issued at a Beach
The majority of U.S. beach advisories or closings are based on bacteria tests that indicate the
presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in beach water. When the test results
show levels in excess of state water quality standards, the beach manager or public health official
will post an advisory or closing. A beach advisory or closing may also be issued if water quality
is expected to be temporarily impaired due to heavy rain or sewage spill.
EPA Programs Working to Improve Beach Water Quality
EPA is helping states set recreational water quality standards, based on EPA-established criteria,
and helping states provide better monitoring and information to the public. EPA also funds
research and provides technical support to states. This summer, EPA will propose tighter
standards to reduce sewer overflows. EPA has recently completed its final storm water
regulations to better control storm water runoff. Congress is currently considering a beach bill to
provide funding to state and local governments to expand beach monitoring and notification
programs.
-------
Additional Beach Information
Information on water quality monitoring at a specific beach can be found on EPA's BEACON
website or by contacting the city, county, or state public health or natural resource protection
agency listed in a local telephone directory.
Visit the Beach Standards, Monitoring, & Notification website to learn more about other
BEACH Program activities.
------- |