Ocean water quality monitoring begins May 15

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May 5, 2009

Ocean water quality monitoring begins May 15

May 15 will mark the beginning of the sixth summer the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has sampled ocean water quality under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s BEACH Act, DHEC announced.

“The BEACH Act authorizes the EPA to award grants to states, tribes and territories to implement beach water quality monitoring programs at coastal and Great Lakes recreational beaches,” said Shannon Berry, beach monitoring coordinator in DHEC’s Bureau of Water. “These grants also support programs to inform the public about the risk of exposure to disease-causing microorganisms in the waters at beaches. South Carolina is one of 35 states receiving the EPA grant.

“DHEC monitors the quality of water at the state’s beaches every year. When bacteria levels in the water are too high, the public is notified of beach advisories,” Berry said. “Signs, written in both English and Spanish, are placed on the beach until water quality returns to acceptable levels.”

“This study will help the EPA find faster analytical methods to test surf water samples,” Berry said. “These studies begin in early June and conclude after Labor Day. We advise beach-goers to look for the survey tents, especially on weekends.”

“Surfside Beach is hosting the EPA’s study of rapid beach water testing methods.”

Berry urges people to help enhance beach water quality by following these reminders:

* Use sunscreen.
* Remove all items brought to the beach with you.
* If the beach allows pets, please clean up after them.
* Do not swim in the ocean during, or immediately after heavy rain.
* Do not swim or allow children to play in swashes or near stormwater pipes. These areas are more likely to have higher bacteria levels.
* Avoid swimming in areas under advisory. Walking, wading, and collecting shells are safe unless you have open sores or lesions. Bacteria can get into open sores and cause infection.

For more information about beach monitoring and swimming advisories, visit DHEC’s Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/beach, or contact Shannon Berry at (803) 898-3541, or e-mail at: berrysk@dhec.sc.gov.