NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

May 21, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 234

Contact: Debbie Rouse, Division of Water Resources, 302-739-9939 or 302-632-2434; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Begins Recreational Water Quality Testing to Protect Public Health
                                   DNREC Awarded $208,000 EPA Grant for Monitoring Efforts

DNREC’s Division of Water Resources will begin its water quality testing of Delaware’s guarded swimming beaches and nine freshwater ponds this week and continue through the third week in September. In addition, the Division will conduct routine sampling and testing at sites throughout the Inland Bays, at public boat ramps and other locations.

This spring DNREC was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant of almost $208,000 for Delaware’s water quality monitoring and public notification program.

According to Debbie Rouse, environmental scientist with DNREC’s recreational water testing program, the funds will increase testing efforts at locations from Slaughter Beach to the Maryland state line. “Through this testing, we can help ensure the safety of individuals and notify residents of any risks that may arise,” said Rouse.

DNREC’s recreational water testing program is part of the agency’s longstanding commitment to analyze water quality at Delaware beaches and ponds, inform the public of results and protect public health.

Guarded swimming beaches will be sampled and laboratory tested twice weekly for bacteria levels and the results, including swimming advisories, if necessary, will be posted within 24 hours on DNREC’s website, http://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/RecWater/Default.aspx. In addition, advisories will be available by calling DNREC’s toll-free, 24-hour “Beach Hotline” at 1-800-922-WAVE. This week’s testing results were posted in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

For safety reasons, the Department recommends swimming only at guarded beaches.

DNREC’s Division of Water Resources Watershed Assessment Section was awarded the 2009 EPA grant from the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Program. The funds will help DNREC meet the goals of protecting public health and the environment through: strengthening beach standards and testing; providing faster laboratory test methods; predicting pollution; investing in health and methods research; and informing the public.

To follow Delaware’s Beach Monitoring information this summer, visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov.