NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 14, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 165
Contact: Debbie Rouse or Michael Bott, Division of Water Resources, 302-739-9939; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
DNREC begins recreational water quality testing to protect public health
Agency awarded $212,000 EPA grant for monitoring efforts
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has announced that water quality testing of Delaware’s guarded swimming beaches and nine freshwater ponds began May 10 and will continue through September. In addition, the Division of Water Resources will conduct routine monitoring at sites throughout the Inland Bays, at public boat ramps and other locations.
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. In the 2009 annual survey by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Delaware’s coastal beaches were found to have the cleanest beaches for water quality in the U.S.
This spring DNREC was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant of $212,000 for Delaware’s water quality monitoring and public notification program.
According to Debbie Rouse, environmental scientist with DNREC’s Recreational Water Program, The BEACH Act Grant provides sampling and monitoring efforts at beach sites from Slaughter Beach to the Maryland state line. “Through this monitoring and notification program, we can help ensure the safety of individuals and notify residents and visitors of any risks that may arise.”
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. Next week’s testing results will be 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 2010 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.
