EPA Cleans Up Beach Safety

In an effort to clean up U.S. beaches and help swimmers stay safe, EPA is distributing $9.8 million in grants to help local authorities monitor water quality and notify the public when conditions are unsafe. The agency also updated its website, BEACON, for beach closings and advisories so that users can stay up-to-date with water quality and pollution testing information for nearly 6,000 U.S. beaches.

BEACON updates as often as every 2 hours, based on data provided, and users can identify data for beaches, water monitoring stations and results that may list pollutants such as bacteria and algae. The website also uses enhanced map navigation and report display tools.

According to EPA, grant applications must be received within 60 days of publication in the Federal Register, and the agency will announce recipients later this year.