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Faster Laboratory Test Methods
Through the coordinated efforts of all levels of government, the BEACH Program is working to improve the scientific foundation for beach testing by: providing faster laboratory test methods to predict pollution, and making new investments in public health and beach testing methods research.These new scientific tools will help give health and environmental officials the ability to provide early warning about the potential for public health risks caused by swimming in polluted water.
Great Lakes Beach Closings Continue
In a comprehensive study on the Great Lakes beaches, EPA noted that 66 of the 276 beaches monitored in 1994 (24%) were closed or restricted at least once during the bathing season. During the fourteen years covered by the survey, the number of beach closures averaged between 40 to 60 per year. Closures were caused by pathogens, turbidity, combined sewer overflow discharges, debris, excessive algae, aesthetic degradation, or any other occurrence such as an accident or spill that was likely to be harmful to human health.
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