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.
It said 2011 was the third worst year for beach closures since tracking began 22 years ago, with “23,481 closing and swimming advisory days at ocean, bay, and Great Lakes beaches.”
The cleanest shores earned a five-star rating, and included Gulf Shores in Alabama, Bolsa Chica Beach in California, Newport Beach in California, Dewey Beach in Delaware; Park Point, Franklin Park, and 13th Street South Beach in Minnesota, South Padre Island in Texas, and more.
Some with a low-star rating included Venice City Beach in Los Angeles, Imperial Beach Municipal Beach in San Diego, Monument Beach in Gulf County, Fla., and Siesta Key Public Beach in Sarasota, Fla.
Stormwater runoff causes most beach water pollution, according to the report. In 2011, 47 percent of beach pollution came from stormwater. It was 11 percent higher than 2010’s 36 percent. Other sources are sewage overflow, boat discharges, wildlife waste, and unknown sources. Those problems accounted for 49 percent of pollution-related beach closures in 2011.
According to the NRDC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 3.5 million people become ill from contact with raw sewage each year. Illnesses associated with polluted beach water include stomach flu, pinkeye, respiratory infections, meningitis, and hepatitis.
Children are more at risk than adults because they submerge their heads more than adults and are more likely to swallow water.
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Friends Read Free