It may or may not be safe to go in the water, depending on where the water is. Of 200 beaches in America, some are pristine, and some are toxic. A five-star beach has clean water that is tested often to make sure it stays clean.
One of the nation’s most influential environmental groups, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), released its 22nd annual report on beach water quality. “Testing the Waters: Guide to Finding a Clean Beach,” could give a vacationer peace of mind about where to swim.
The group advises people to try to choose beaches far from urban areas, and for the long term, to change cities in ways that reduce runoff. In the executive summary, it recommends, “The most important of these solutions remains incentivizing and implementing green infrastructure in our cities, such as green roofs, porous pavement, and street plantings, which stop rain where it falls.”
Beach water quality problems can pose health risks, as minor as pinkeye and as serious as hepatitis.
The NRDC rates how often beaches have water pollution problems, how often the water is tested (weekly at least), what safety procedure beach officials follow, and public awareness, meaning if beachgoers are notified of problems, and if dirty beaches are closed to swimming.
