Step right up, the water is inviting…or is it? America’s beaches, a popular natural attraction, may not be as clean as they seem. A recent report from Environment America reveals that nearly half of U.S. beaches tested in 2022 contained unsafe levels of fecal contamination. This means that out of the 3,192 beaches tested, 55% had at least one day with potentially unsafe levels of bacteria. Alarmingly, 363 of these beaches, or about one in every nine, had potentially unsafe levels on at least 25% of the testing days.
To determine the safety of the beach water, researchers used the Beach Action Value (BAV), a tool established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that measures bacteria levels. Beaches were considered “unsafe” if the test results indicated an estimated illness rate of 32 per 1,000 swimmers.
The data for this report was collected from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council’s Water Quality Portal, which compiles test results for all U.S. beaches listed under the BEACH Act. This act, part of the Clean Water Act, mandates that states adhere to water safety standards for coastal waters to prevent contamination from disease-causing germs like E. coli and Enterococcus species.
The level of contamination varied across different regions of the country. Gulf Coast beaches had the highest contamination levels, with 84% of them recording potentially unsafe water on at least one day. West Coast beaches followed closely behind with a contamination rate of 70%. Great Lakes beaches had a contamination rate of 63%, while East Coast beaches had a rate of 48%. Alaska and Hawaii had the lowest contamination rates, with 24% of their beaches registering unsafe levels on at least one day.
In 2022, nearly 9,000 beach closings or water advisories occurred due to contaminated water. These closures lasted for at least three days in over half of the cases. The EPA also released its own summary of beach closings and advisories, stating that 92% of program beaches, which have protocols in place to warn the public of unsafe swimming conditions, were open and considered safe for swimming.
Swimming in water contaminated with fecal matter can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) illness, with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and muscle aches. There is also a risk of contracting diseases like hepatitis A and norovirus from eating contaminated shellfish. To avoid spreading or contracting gastrointestinal germs, it’s recommended to refrain from swimming if you have diarrhea and to avoid swallowing water from recreational waterways. It’s also important to stay out of the water if you have an open wound.
The main sources of beach pollution are stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, manure from industrial livestock production, waste from pets and other animals, and runoff from daily activities such as lawn irrigation. Increased development along coastal areas and aging sewage systems contribute to the problem. The report emphasizes the need to preserve and restore natural infrastructure and improve sewage systems to ensure clean and safe water for swimming.
It’s essential for beachgoers to take precautions and prioritize their health while enjoying nature’s beauty. Checking local health department websites or contacting them directly is advised to stay updated on beach advisories due to poor water quality. By being informed and cautious, individuals can still enjoy their beach experience while minimizing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
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