Beach Trading Blog

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), recently released a report of the sad state of affairs at our beaches and the Great Lakes: 7% of beachwater samples violated health standards, showing no improvement from 2006.

While nationally there was an overall decrease in closing and advisory days from 2006, regionally the picture varied. The biggest increase in closing and advisory days (38%), was in the Gulf Coast region, while the biggest drop in closing and advisory days was a 36% reduction in Hawaii.

Using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the report, “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” shows the number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches was more than 20,000 for the third consecutive year, confirming that our nation’s beaches continue to suffer from serious water pollution that puts swimmers at risk. For the full report, go to www.nrdc.org/beaches.