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Strengthening Beach Standards and Testing Programs
Current monitoring and advisory programs range from good to non-existent. Under the BEACH Program, we, in conjunction with participating agencies, are:
- Providing technical guidance and training on new methods, sampling strategies and predictive models; and
- Sponsoring national conferences and other meetings to focus more scientific research on better detection tools and monitoring and advisory programs.
Strong health standards and testing programs, improved science, and informing the public are essential for protecting public health at beaches.
EPA is committed to helping the states and tribes protect public health at recreational beaches. Ensuring state and tribal adoption of strong water quality standards for recreational waters is an essential part of this commitment. States and tribes set beach water quality standards, based on pollutant levels ("criteria") developed by EPA. Local health officials then test their water to see if it meets the state standards. If tests show that pollutant levels are above the standard, then local agencies take appropriate action to inform beach goers through a swimming advisory or beach closure.
Unfortunately, not all states and tribes have adopted the latest criteria to protect public health at recreational beaches. We are working to ensure that those states and tribes, that have not already done so, adopt the http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/water quality criteria for Escherichia (E-coli) and/or enterococcus bacteria as part of their water quality standards. EPA is using its current authority, and a variety of tools including technical and programmatic assistance, to ensure appropriate criteria are adopted into all state and tribal water quality standards
Monitoring and advisory programs detect pollution and provide timely warnings to the public. Under the BEACH Program, EPA will develop national guidance as a model to state and tribal governments for developing successful monitoring and advisory programs. We will also provide information and guidance for implementing local programs.
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