Beach Water Quality Monitoring Programs in Coastal States
From Beachapedia
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.
Introduction
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. Learn about ways you can get involved and secure better water quality and health protections for your coastal playground here.
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.
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/Community 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. EPA also has a comprehensive list of harmful algal bloom resources by state. 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, community science programs that generate additional water quality information beyond the state database are presented as well. Note that some community 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 community science groups collecting additional bacteria-based water quality information at recreational beaches, please contact us at beachapedia@surfrider.org.
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: Chris Johnson, (334) 271-7827, cjohnson@adem.alabama.gov
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Department of Public Health (ADPH)
Sampling Frequency: June - September: Varies from twice per week to every two weeks depending on level of beach use; October - May: Monthly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Alabama does not issue rain advisories.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Coosa River Keeper
- Alabama Water Watch
- Mobile Baykeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- NOAA Tides & Currents
Alaska
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
- Beach Water Quality Program Website
- Water Quality Data
- Contact: Laura Eldred, (907) 376-1855, laura.eldred@alaska.gov
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly to biweekly in a 2-year cycle (currently testing at Skagway and Kodiak; cycle rotates to Hoonah, Ketchikan, and Kenai Beaches).
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
California
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Beach Water Quality Program Website
- Safe to Swim Portal and Water Quality Information
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Regional Water Quality Control Boards Telephone Directory, Division of Water Quality (916) 341-5455
- State Water Resources Control Board
Sampling Frequency: Counties north of San Francisco: At least weekly from April - October. All other coastal counties: At least weekly year-round. See below for details by county.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water but counties may use other established bacteria standards for beach management decisions as well (such as fecal coliform, total coliform, total:fecal ratio or geometric means). Learn more here.
Rain Advisories: Counties may choose to issue rain advisories before, during or immediately after rain storms 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
- Alameda County, East Bay Regional Park District & Contra Costa County
- Del Norte County
- Beach Monitoring Program Administrators Website (very limited information provided)
- Sampling Frequency: Not provided.
- Contact: Houawa Moua, (707) 465-0426, environmental-health@co.del-norte.ca.us
- Del Norte County
- 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
- Humboldt County
- 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
- Los Angeles County
- 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) 570-4132, environmentalhealth@longbeach.gov
- City of Long Beach
- Marin County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
- Contact: Environmental Health Services, (415) 473-2335
- Marin County
- 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, Hotline: (707) 234-6627
- Mendocino County
- Monterey County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: November - March: Monthly; April - October: Weekly
- Contact: Bureau Chief of County of Monterey Health Department Ric Encarnacion, (831) 755 - 4542, EncarnacionR@co.monterey.ca.us; health@co.monterey.ca.us; Beach Hotline Number (831) 755-4599
- Monterey County
- Orange County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Ranges from 1-5 times per week
- Contact: (714) 433-6400, LRobinson@ochca.com
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Ranges from 1-7 times per week depending on the beach, south county tested daily
- Contact: beachandbay.deh@sdcounty.ca.gov, County Beach and Bay Hotline: (619) 338-2073
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Contact: Corey Chrisman, (415) 252-3800, Corey.Chrisman@sfdph.org
- San Francisco County
- San Luis Obispo County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Contact: Jeremiah Damery, (805) 781-5548, jdamery@co.slo.ca.us
- San Luis Obispo County
- 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
- San Mateo County
- Santa Barbara County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories, which can be found under "Helpful Resrouces"
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Contact: Marissa Censullo, (805) 346-8345, marissa.censullo@sbcphd.org
- Santa Barbara County
- Santa Cruz County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly-Bimonthly
- Contact: Audrey Levine, (831) 454-2736, audrey.levine@santacruzcounty.us
- Santa Cruz County
- 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
- Sonoma County
- 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
- Ventura County
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team
- California Community Science Monitoring Locations
- Heal the Bay
- Los Angeles Waterkeeper
- Orange County Coastkeeper
- San Diego Coastkeeper
- Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
- South Yuba River Citizens League
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- California Water Quality Monitoring Council
- 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 Advisories for state beaches only
- Contact: DEEP Office, (860) 424-3028, DEEPBeachResults@ct.gov
- Connecticut State Department of Public Health
- Public Beach Monitoring Program Website
- 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 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
- Beach Monitoring Program Website with water quality data
- 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.
- Darien Town
- 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: East Shore District Health Department, (203) 481-4233, info@esdhd.org
- East Shore District Health Department (Branford, East Haven and North Branford Towns)
- Fairfield Town
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Contact: (203) 256-3020, scleary@fairfieldct.org
- Rain Closure: Rain closures are issued if 1.0 inches of rain fall within a 24 hour period for Lake Mohegan and 1.75 inches for salt water beaches.
- Fairfield Town
- Greenwich Town
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including beach status and advisories
- Water quality data are not posted online. Information on results and closures is available by calling the Beach Hotline (203)-622-7855.
- Contact: Caroline Calderone Baisley, (203) 622-6488; Department of Health Division of Environmental Services Office, (203) 987-1001, Contact Form
- 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).
- Greenwich Town
- 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
- Ledge Light Health District (East Lyme, New London, Groton, Waterford, Old Lyme Towns)
- 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: Amanda Maturo, (203) 245-5678, maturoa@madisonct.org
- Madison Town
- 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, healthdept@milfordct.gov
- Milford City
- New Haven City
- Beach Monitoring Program Website with water quality data
- Sampling Frequency: Twice weekly (Mondays and Wednesdays): Memorial Day - Labor Day
- Contact: (203) 946-8174, environmentalhealth@newhavenct.onmicrosoft.com
- New Haven City
- Norwalk City
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including advisories
- Water quality data not posted. Call (203) 854-7776 for more information.
- Contact: William Mooney, Jr., (203) 851-7993, wmooney@norwalkct.org
- Norwalk City
- Stamford City
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
- Contact: (203) 977-4399; Health Department hotline, (203) 977-5889
- Stamford City
- Stratford Town
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are available by calling:
- Stratford Health Department, (203) 385-4090, healthdepartment@townofstratford.com, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Stratford Recreation Department, (203) 385-4052, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- 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.
- Stratford Town
- 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
- West Haven City
- Westport and Weston Cities
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures
- Contact: (203) 227-9571
- Westport and Weston Cities
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Connecticut River Conservancy
- Save the Sound
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
- Cyanobacteria Blooms in Connecticut
- To report, contact CT Department of Public Health Environmental Health (860) 509-7293, dph.environmentalhealth@ct.gov; or CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (860) 424-3020, deep.algalblooms@ct.gov
- CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
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: Ashley Kunder, (302) 739-9942, ashley.kunder@delaware.gov; 24-hour hotline: 1-800-922-WAVE
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Recreational Water Program
Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Delaware does not issue rain advisories.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- University of Delaware
- Community Monitoring Website
- Contact: Ed Whereat, Program Coordinator, 302-645-4252, whereat@udel.edu
- University of Delaware
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Delaware Division of Water
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: AskEH@flhealth.gov, (850) 245-4240; County Health Department Contacts
- The Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Environmental Health
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
- Brevard County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - September: Biweekly
- Broward County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Charlotte County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
- Collier County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Duval County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Escambia County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March-October: Biweekly
- Flagler County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Franklin County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Gulf County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Hernando County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - September: Varies (biweekly - monthly)
- Hillsborough County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Indian River County
- 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
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Martin County
- Miami/Dade County
- Monroe County
- Nassau County
- Okaloosa County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Palm Beach County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Pasco County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Varies (biweekly - monthly)
- Pinellas County
- St Johns County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Saint Lucie County
- Santa Rosa County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
- Sarasota County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
- Volusia County
- Wakulla County
- Walton County
- Beach Water Quality Program Website and Contact Info
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Miami Waterkeeper
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
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: Ed Zmarzly, (912) 264-7218, edward.zmarzly@dnr.ga.gov
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Coastal Resources Division
- Georgia Department of Public Health - Coastal Health District
- Beach Water Testing Program Website
- Contact: (912) 262-2300
- Georgia Department of Public Health - Coastal Health District
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly to quarterly (four times a year) 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.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Chattahoochee River Conservancy
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: Darryl Lum, (808) 586-4309, darryl.lum@doh.hawaii.gov
- Hawaii Department of Health
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Tier 1 ("core," high-use beaches) sampled weekly, Tier 2 sampled less frequently. Beach tiers determined based on use. More info here.
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.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
Illinois
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Illinois Department of Public Health
Sampling Frequency: May - September: Biweekly weeks
Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Illinois does not issue rain advisories.
CITY BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
- Chicago Park District
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
- Contact: (312) 742-PLAY (7529), Beach Hotline 312-74-BEACH, beaches3@chicagoparkdistrict.com
- Sampling Frequency: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day: Daily
- Water Quality Standard: 1,000 CCE E. coli/100 ml water (CCE or "calibrator cell equivalents" is a measure of DNA bacteria levels)
- Chicago Park District
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
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 Environmental Management
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- State Park Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories and closures
- Contact: David Knipe, (317) 232-4160, dknipe@dnr.in.gov (Division of Water)
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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 Park
- Park Alerts
- Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachAlert website.
- Contact: (219) 395-1882
- Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- LaPorte County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachAlert website.
- Contact: (219) 326-0014, sgeeburns@solidwastedistrict.com
- Sampling Season: May - August: 2 times a week for inland beaches, 3 times a week for Lake Michigan beaches
- LaPorte County
- Town of Ogden Dunes
- Beach Information Website
- Water quality data and advisories are posted on the state's BeachAlert website.
- Contact: (219) 762-4125 (emergency), 219-477-3170 (non-emergency)
- Town of Ogden Dunes
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Indiana State Department of Health
Louisiana
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Louisiana Department of Health
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Kade Ordoyne, Program Coordinator, kade.ordoyne@la.gov; Christopher Lemaire, Program Manager, chris.lemaire@la.gov; Jennifer Armentor, Program Administrator, jennifer.armentor@la.gov
- Louisiana Department of Health: (225) 342-9500
- Louisiana Department of Health
Sampling Frequency: May - October: Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Louisiana does not issue rain advisories.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Pontchartrain Conservancy
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- NOAA Tides & Currents
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; Sarah Gensel, (207) 535-7123, sarah.gensel@maine.gov
- Department of Environmental Protection - Healthy Beaches Program
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.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection
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; Beaches Program: (410) 537-3618
- Maryland Department of Environment
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, Advisories, and Closures
- Contact: (410) 222-7241. A 24 hour automated test results phone line is available at (410) 222-7999.
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore County
- Beach Monitoring Program and Advisories
- Water Quality Data
- Contact: (410) 887-3663, ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov
- Baltimore County
- Calvert County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Advisories
- Contact: Matthew Cumers, (410) 535-3922, mdh-dl-calchd-environmentalhealthcchd@maryland.gov
- Calvert County
- Cecil County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Contact: (410) 996-5550, info@cecilcountyhealth.org
- Cecil County
- Kent County
- Environmental Health Services Website with water quality advisories
- Current advisories and closures are also listed on the state's Water Quality Portal.
- Contact: Erika Hercher, (410) 778-1361, erika.hercher@maryland.gov
- Kent County
- St. Mary's County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures and advisories
- Contact: (301) 475-4321, smchd.healthdept@maryland.gov
- St. Mary's County
- Wicomico County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality closures and advisories
- Contact: (410) 749-1244
- Wicomico County
- Worcester County
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Robert Mitchell, (410) 632-1220, bmitchell@co.worcester.md.us
- Worcester County
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Maryland Eyes on the Bay
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: (617) 624-5757, dph-beach@state.ma.us
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- (617) 626-1250, mass.parks@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, sally.carroll@mwra.com
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health
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: Sean O’Brien, (508) 375-6618, sobrien@capecod.gov
- Cape Cod/Barnstable County
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Taunton River Watershed Alliance
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Michigan
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Shannon Briggs, (517) 290-8249, briggss4@michigan.gov
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
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
- NOAA Tides & Currents
- Michigan Tech Research Institute
Minnesota
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Minnesota Department of Health
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: (651) 201-4500, health.poolsbeaches@state.mn.us (Environmental Health Division: Beaches and Recreation Waters)
- 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 not issue official rain advisories, but MDH warns swimmers to “avoid swimming after a rain event”.
REGIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
- Grand Portage
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Sampling Frequency: June-September: Weekly for 13 beaches; Year-round: Once per season for 3 beaches
- Contact: Margaret Watkins, (218) 475-2026, mwatkins@grandportage.com; Taryn Manthey, (218) 475-2183, tmanthey@grandportage.com
- Grand Portage
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 Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Emily Cotton, (228) 432-3447, Text "MDEQbeach" to (833)259-4545 to receive beach advisories by text
- 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: 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).
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Pearl Riverkeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- NOAA Tides & Currents
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: Michele Condon, (603) 848-1905, michele.e.condon@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 preemptive rain advisories.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
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: Victor Poretti, (609) 292-1623, victor.poretti@dep.nj.gov; Hotline: (877) WARNDEP
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Sampling Frequency: Two weeks before Memorial Day - End of beach season (~September 30): Weekly
Water Quality Standard: 104 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 ocean beaches near Wreck Pond 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
- Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Contact: Environmental Health Services, (609) 645-5971, After Hours: (609) 909-7200; Ocean Water Quality County Hotline (Seasonal): (800) 633-7946
- Atlantic County
- Cape May County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Contact: Jennifer Fairman, (609) 465-1209, jennifer.fairman@capemaycountynj.gov; Hotline: (609) 463-6581
- Cape May County
- Monmouth County Health Department
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Contact: Christopher P. Merkel, (732) 431-7456
- Monmouth County Health Department
- Ocean County Health Department
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Contact: John P. Protonentis, (732) 341-9700 extension 7480, jprotonentis@ochd.org
- Ocean County Health Department
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- NY/NJ Baykeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- New Jersey Division of Water Monitoring and Standards
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: (518) 402-7600, bcehfp@health.ny.gov
- New York State Department of Health
- 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
- New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly, unless otherwise stated under County Info below.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml marine water and 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml freshwater
Rain Advisories: Rain advisories vary by county and beach type. For saltwater beach rain advisories, New York City issues after 0.3 inches to 2.5 inches of rainfall with 24 hours; Westchester County issues after 0.5 inches to 2 inches of rainfall within 24 hours, with specific thresholds by beach available here; and Suffolk County issues after 1 inch of rainfall within 24 hours. For 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) 253-1560, cchealth@cayugacounty.us
- Cayuga County
- Chautauqua County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and closures
- Contact: Director of Environmental Health Services, Jessica Wuerstle, (716) 753-4481, cchealth@chqgov.com
- Sampling Frequency: May - September: Weekly/Bi-Weekly
- Chautauqua County
- Erie County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including beach manager contact info
- Water Quality Data, Advisories, and Closures
- Contact: (716) 961-6800
- Sampling Frequency: May - September: Almost daily (State Park beaches collect daily). Beach status is also determined by daily predictions generated by the USGS Nowcast beach water quality model.
- Erie County
- 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
- Monroe County
- Nassau County
- Beach Water Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality advisories and closures are not posted online, but are available on the Information Hotline: (516) 227-9700
- Contact: (516) 227-9717
- Sampling Frequency: April through Labor Day: Varies (Twice a week - every two weeks)
- Nassau County
- New York City (Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond)
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: (212) 504-4115
- Sampling Frequency: One month before Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly for all beaches except for Rockaway and Breezy Point beaches, which are sampled every two weeks.
- New York City (Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond)
- Niagara County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories and closures
- Contact: (716) 439-7444
- Sampling Frequency: May - August: Weekly
- Niagara County
- Suffolk County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories and Closures, can also call the Beach Hotline: (631) 852-5822
- Contacts: Ken Zegel, (631) 852-5800, septicdemo@suffolkcountyny.gov; scparks@suffolkcountyny.gov
- Sampling Frequency: May - September: At least weekly at high use and high risk beaches; May - August: Varies at low use and low risk beaches
- Suffolk County
- Watertown District Office (Jefferson and Lewis Counties)
- Contact: (315) 785-2277
- Sampling Frequency: June-August: Biweekly
- Watertown District Office (Jefferson and Lewis Counties)
- Westchester County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories by Beach
- Contact: (914) 813-5000; public beach contact information available here.
- Westchester County
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
- Hudson Riverkeeper
- Save The River
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation
North Carolina
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
- Beach Monitoring Program Websiteincluding water quality data and current advisories
- Contact: (877) 623-6748; Staff Directory
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly (Tier 1); Year-round: 2 times per month (Tier 2), As needed (Tier 3)
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
- Contact: Ashley Rodgers, (919) 856-5531, ashley.rodgers@wakegov.com; full contact list here.
- Water Quality Standard: 235 cfu E. coli/100 ml water
- Wake County Environmental Services (fresh water recreation)
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Haw River Assembly
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
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: General information, (614) 644-7464; Beach Hotline, (866) 644-6224; Angela Raderchak, angela.raderchak@odh.ohio.gov; Jenifer Hassinger, jennifer.hassinger@odh.ohio.gov
- Ohio Department of Public Health
Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: At least weekly. Beach status is also determined by daily predictions generated by the USGS Nowcast beach water quality model.
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: Bryan Lynch, (216) 201-2000 ext 1263, blynch@ccbh.net
- Cuyahoga County
- Erie County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Contact: (419) 626-5623 ext. 5115; 24-Hour Toll Free, (888) 399-6065
- Erie County
- Lake County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories predicted by Nowcast Modeling available from USGS.
- Contact: (440) 350-2543
- Lake County
- Lorain County
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water quality data and advisories are available on the state's BeachGuard website.
- Contact: (440) 322-6367 or (440) 244-2209
- Lorain County
- Northeast Ohio Regional Sewage District
- Beaches Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
- Contact: (216) 641-6000
- Northeast Ohio Regional Sewage District
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 Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: beach.health@dhsoha.state.or.us, (971) 673-0482; Program Contact Page
- Department of Environmental Quality
- Recreational Water Quality at Oregon Beaches Website
- Contact: Mike Mulvey, (503) 692-5732, mulvey.mike@deq.state.or.us; Thomas Lossen, (503) 693-5729, lossen.thomas@deq.state.or.us
- Oregon Health Authority
Sampling Frequency: mid-May - mid-September, on a rotating three-week sampling schedule
Water Quality Standard: 130 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Oregon does not issue rain advisories.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Columbia Riverkeeper
- Rogue Riverkeeper
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Oregon Health Authority
Pennsylvania
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- The program is managed at the county level only, see below.
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 Sampling Program, with water quality data and advisories
- Sampling Frequency: Late May - October: Weekly. Beach status is also determined by daily predictions generated by the USGS Nowcast beach water quality model.
- Contact: (814) 451-6700
- Erie County
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Youghiogheny Riverkeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Erie County Health Department
- Harmful Algal Blooms, (scroll down)
- The Regional Science Consortium
- Erie County Health Department
Puerto Rico
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNRA)
- Beach Monitoring Program Website with weekly advisories.
- CariCOOS Water Quality Data and Notifications
- Junta de Calidad Ambiental (JCA) of Puerto Rico Website
- Contact: Milagros M. Navón Rivera, mnavon@drna.pr.gov
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
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: Jorge Bauzá-Ortega, (787) 725-8165, jbauza@estuario.org
- San Juan Bay National Estuary Program
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
Rhode Island
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State Agencies:
- Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
- Beach Monitoring Program Website
- Water Quality Data and Advisories
- Contact: Jillian Chopy, jillian.chopy@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
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
- Narragansett Bay Commission
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
- University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch
- Watershed Watch Program Website including water quality data
- Contact: Elizabeth Herron, Program Director, (401) 874-4552, emh@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
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
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: (803) 898-3432, info@dhec.sc.gov
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Sampling Frequency: May 1 - October 1: Twice a month. Weekly at Myrtle Beach-area beaches.
Water Quality Standard: 104 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
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: Victoria Green, (843) 349-6666, vgreen@coastal.edu; Kelly Hall, (843) 349-4002, khall1@coastal.edu
- Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Every two weeks
- Coastal Carolina University
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Charleston Waterkeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- South Carolina Task Group on Harmful Algae
- Report Algal Blooms in South Carolina
- S.C Department of Health and Environmental Control
- Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Map with data and advisories
- South Carolina Task Group on Harmful Algae
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
- Texas General Land Office (GLO)
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: Agency and contractor information are available in Appendix C, p.33 - 83, of the Texas BeachWatch Program QAPP
- Each coastal county submits results to the State's BeachWatch program.
- 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 every two weeks during low tourist seasons
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Galveston Bay Foundation
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Texas Parks and Wildlife
- NOAA Tides & Currents
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) 489-4110; epi-comments@vdh.virginia.gov
- 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
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative
- Rivanna Conservation Alliance
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Virginia Department of Health
Virgin Islands (US)
STATE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMATION
Participating State/Territory Agencies:
- Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)
- Water Quality Data and Advisories posted by DPNR and Coastal Zone Management Division
- Contact: Jamal Nielsen, (340) 773-1082, jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov in St. Croix and (340) 774-3320 in St. Thomas
- Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)
Sampling Frequency: Weekly at 35 DPNR beaches (17 on St. Croix, 5 on St. John and 13 on St. Thomas); Unspecified at Virgin Island National Park beaches
Water Quality Standard: 70 cfu enterococci/100 ml water
Rain Advisories: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources does not issue rain advisories; however, the agency warns people to avoid areas of stormwater runoff.
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: Heather Gibbs, (360) 480-4868, heather.gibbs@ecy.wa.gov
- Department of Ecology and Department of Health
Sampling Frequency: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Weekly to Biweekly
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.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- WA's BEACH Program incorporates data from several community science groups, including the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), Snohomish Beach Watchers, and the Surfrider Foundation. All data from PTMSC and Snohomish Beach Watchers is available on the state database, additional Surfrider data is accessible below.
- Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- Washington State Toxic Algae Monitoring Program
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: Diane Packett, (608) 640-7511, dianel.packett@wisconsin.gov
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Beach Health
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.
COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS
- Milwaukee Riverkeeper
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION
- NOAA National Center for Coastal Ocean Science
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Tech Research Institute