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.

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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.

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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/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.

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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: Chris Johnson, (334) 271-7827, cjohnson@adem.alabama.gov

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
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: Laura Eldred, (907) 376-1855, laura.eldred@alaska.gov

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
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
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

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
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
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) 570-4132, environmentalhealth@longbeach.gov
Marin County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality data and advisories
Sampling Frequency: April - October: Weekly
Contact: Environmental Health Services, (415) 473-2335
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
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
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
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 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 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 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, which can be found under "Helpful Resrouces"
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-Bimonthly
Contact: Audrey Levine, (831) 454-2736, audrey.levine@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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

CA Water Board SWAMP Clean Water Team
SWAMP Clean Water Community Monitoring Program Website
California Community 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 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

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.
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
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.
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).
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: Amanda Maturo, (203) 245-5678, maturoa@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, healthdept@milfordct.gov
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
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
Stamford City
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories
Contact: (203) 977-4399; Health Department hotline, (203) 977-5889
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.
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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Connecticut River Conservancy
River Monitoring Program
Save the Sound
Water Quality Data and Map

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


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

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

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: AskEH@flhealth.gov, (850) 245-4240; County Health Department Contacts

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
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
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
Sampling Frequency: Year-round: Weekly
Martin County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Miami/Dade County
Beach Monitoring Program Website and Contact Info
Water Quality Data and Advisories
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
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
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
Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly
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
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
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
Sampling Frequency: March - October: Biweekly

COMMUNITY 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: Ed Zmarzly, (912) 264-7218, edward.zmarzly@dnr.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Public Health - Coastal Health District
Beach Water Testing Program Website
Contact: (912) 262-2300

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
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: Darryl Lum, (808) 586-4309, darryl.lum@doh.hawaii.gov

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
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: County Health Department Contacts

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)

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: David Knipe, (317) 232-4160, dknipe@dnr.in.gov (Division of Water)

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
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
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)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Indiana State Department of Health
Blue-Green Algae Information and Current Algal Bloom Alerts
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: 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

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
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; Sarah Gensel, (207) 535-7123, sarah.gensel@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.

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; Beaches Program: (410) 537-3618

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.
Baltimore County
Beach Monitoring Program and 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: (410) 996-5550, info@cecilcountyhealth.org
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
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) 749-1244
Worcester County
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Robert Mitchell, (410) 632-1220, bmitchell@co.worcester.md.us

COMMUNITY 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: (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

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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Taunton River Watershed Alliance
Water Quality Monitoring Program

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 Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Shannon Briggs, (517) 290-8249, 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
NOAA Tides & Currents
Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast
Michigan Tech Research Institute
HAB's Mapping at Green Bay


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)

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

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, Text "MDEQbeach" to (833)259-4545 to receive beach advisories by text

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
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: Michele Condon, (603) 848-1905, michele.e.condon@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
Map of Current Beach and Cyanobacteria Advisories
Harmful Algal Blooms


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

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
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
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
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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

NY/NJ Baykeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)

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: (518) 402-7600, bcehfp@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 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
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
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.
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
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)
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.
Niagara County
Beach Monitoring Program Website including water quality advisories and closures
Contact: (716) 439-7444
Sampling Frequency: May - August: Weekly
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
Watertown District Office (Jefferson and Lewis Counties)
Contact: (315) 785-2277
Sampling Frequency: June-August: Biweekly
Westchester County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water Quality Data and Advisories by Beach
Contact: (914) 813-5000; public beach contact information available here.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Hudson Riverkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Save The River
Beach Watch Program (Data on SwimGuide)
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 Websiteincluding water quality data and current advisories
Contact: (877) 623-6748; Staff Directory

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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Haw River Assembly
Muddy River Watch Project (Data on SwimGuide)

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: General information, (614) 644-7464; Beach Hotline, (866) 644-6224; Angela Raderchak, angela.raderchak@odh.ohio.gov; Jenifer Hassinger, jennifer.hassinger@odh.ohio.gov

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
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
Lake County
Beach Monitoring Program Website
Water quality data and advisories predicted by Nowcast Modeling available from USGS.
Contact: (440) 350-2543
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
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: 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

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
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
Rogue Riverkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program (Data on SwimGuide)
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.

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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Youghiogheny Riverkeeper
Water Quality Monitoring Program

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

Erie County Health Department
Harmful Algal Blooms, (scroll down)
The Regional Science Consortium
Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories


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

COMMUNITY 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
Water Quality Data and Advisories
Contact: Jillian Chopy, jillian.chopy@health.ri.gov; Hotline (401) 222-2751

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

COMMUNITY 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: 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


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

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

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Charleston Waterkeeper
Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program

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

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: Agency and contractor information are available in Appendix C, p.33 - 83, 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 every two weeks during low tourist seasons

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Galveston Bay Foundation
Water Monitoring Team

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) 489-4110; epi-comments@vdh.virginia.gov

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
Data Explorer
Rivanna Conservation Alliance
Bacteria Monitoring Team
Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Program
BWTF Program Website

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

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


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

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

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
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: Diane Packett, (608) 640-7511, dianel.packett@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.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Water Quality Testing Program

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INFORMATION

NOAA National Center for Coastal Ocean Science
Cyanobacteria Algal Bloom Tracking in Green Bay and Lake Winnebago
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
Michigan Tech Research Institute
HAB's Mapping at Green Bay