How to Check Beach Water Quality?

Summertime is a great time to relax at the beach, but it’s important to make sure the water is safe first. Check beach water quality before swimming to avoid getting sick. In this blog post, we will discuss how to check beach water quality and what factors can affect it.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to stay safe while swimming in polluted waters. As, currently, the water quality of many beaches is not up to par.

4 Easy Ways to Check Beach Water Quality

Let’s take a deep dip to explore a few ways to check the beach water quality for your next beach vacation.

Check Local Council Website

The most common way is to check the National Water Quality Monitoring Council’s (NWQMC) website.

The NWQMC is a government organization that monitors water quality at beaches across the country. They provide weekly updates on beach water quality and issue advisories when pollution levels are high.

You can also check the water quality report online on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. It offers a search tool that lets you find water quality reports for beaches in the United States.

Check Posted Signs

Look for posted signs from the local authorities. These will usually be located near the entrance to the beach or in a visible spot on the sand. The signs will list any advisories or warnings for the current conditions of the water and when pollution levels are high.

Contact Local Beach or Health Department

You can also contact the local beach or health department to ask about water quality. They will usually have up-to-date information on any advisories or warnings for the area.

Ask a Lifeguard

Finally, you can always ask a lifeguard or other beachgoer about the water quality. They will usually be able to tell you if the water is clean or not.

Factors that Affect the Beach Water Quality

There are a few factors that can affect water quality at a beach. These include rainfall, tides, and sewage spills.

  • Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow carries pollutants from the land into waterways. Heavy rains can wash pollutants into the water from nearby streets or storm drains. These pollutants can include things like oil, grease, pesticides, and fertilizers.
  • Tides can also bring in pollutants from other areas.
  • Sewage spills can occur when there is a problem with the treatment plant or a sewer line.

Tips to Stay Safe in Polluted Beach Water

When swimming in polluted waters, it is important to take some precautions to stay safe.

  • Try to avoid swallowing any water.
  • Wash off with soap and clean water as soon as possible after leaving the water.
  • Try to wear full swimming suits to keep your skin safe from polluted water.
  • Another key tip is to take extra precautions while swimming in coastal waters, especially if there are high surf warnings throughout the day. Strong tides and currents can easily sweep you farther into the water than you intended, putting you at greater risk of getting sick from pollution.
  • Additionally, try to swim near lifeguards or in an area with clear visibility so that you can avoid hidden hazards such as rocks and coral reefs.
  • It is also a good idea to shower before swimming to remove any pollutants that may be on your skin.
  • Finally, make sure to sanitize and dry your hands properly before eating to avoid ingesting any contaminants.

With these simple tips and precautions, you can help keep yourself safe when swimming in polluted beach waters.

If you do get sick after swimming, it’s important to see a doctor right away.


Final Words

Hope this blog post helps you to enjoy a safe and healthy trip to the beach this summer. Always check the beach water quality before swimming and take precautions when swimming in polluted waters to avoid getting sick.

Stay safe and have fun with the shimmery sun!

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