A lot can ruin a day at the beach: a sudden change in the weather, leftover trash from the previous day's gatherings, a bunch of kids screaming and splashing. There's also something that's (usually) much less noticeable: high levels of fecal contamination in the water.
According to a new report, poop can be found in the water at more than half of US beaches, and it can make us sick. Here's what you need to know.
How many American beaches are contaminated with poo?
Because levels of fecal contamination in bodies of water fluctuate, due to weather and other factors, it is difficult to determine the precise number of beaches with too much poop. However, based on the available data, this is way too much.
The most recent findings come from a July 2023 report by Environment America, a nonprofit research and policy center.
According to the report, in 2022, fecal indicator bacteria tests were performed on the water at 3,192 beaches across the country; of these, 1,761 (55%) had at least one day with potentially dangerous levels of fecal contamination, based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) water quality guidelines for public beaches.
In addition, one in nine beaches (363) had potentially dangerous levels of fecal contamination on at least 25% of the days the water was tested.
How to check the water quality of a beach
Before heading to a beach, it's a good idea to check for any water quality warnings or closures. Faecal contamination levels can change from day to day, so even if the quality is good on one visit, it may not be the case when you return. The problem is that this information is not available for all ranges.
The first place to check is the EPA's BEACON (Beach Advisory and Closing On-line Notification) website, where you can search for a particular beach by name or using a map. If beach information is not available, consult the local health department or
A lot can ruin a day at the beach: a sudden change in the weather, leftover trash from the previous day's gatherings, a bunch of kids screaming and splashing. There's also something that's (usually) much less noticeable: high levels of fecal contamination in the water.
According to a new report, poop can be found in the water at more than half of US beaches, and it can make us sick. Here's what you need to know.
How many American beaches are contaminated with poo?
Because levels of fecal contamination in bodies of water fluctuate, due to weather and other factors, it is difficult to determine the precise number of beaches with too much poop. However, based on the available data, this is way too much.
The most recent findings come from a July 2023 report by Environment America, a nonprofit research and policy center.
According to the report, in 2022, fecal indicator bacteria tests were performed on the water at 3,192 beaches across the country; of these, 1,761 (55%) had at least one day with potentially dangerous levels of fecal contamination, based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) water quality guidelines for public beaches.
In addition, one in nine beaches (363) had potentially dangerous levels of fecal contamination on at least 25% of the days the water was tested.
How to check the water quality of a beach
Before heading to a beach, it's a good idea to check for any water quality warnings or closures. Faecal contamination levels can change from day to day, so even if the quality is good on one visit, it may not be the case when you return. The problem is that this information is not available for all ranges.
The first place to check is the EPA's BEACON (Beach Advisory and Closing On-line Notification) website, where you can search for a particular beach by name or using a map. If beach information is not available, consult the local health department or
Photo: Erik Clegg (Shutterstock)
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