Swim at your own risk

Video reports

On the beach

By Gannett News Service | August 6, 2007

Health officials take water samples along the shoreline in Virginia Beach.

In the lab

By Gannett News Service | August 6, 2007

A lab supervisor tests beach water samples in Virginia Beach. The results help determine whether the beach is open to swimmers.

Join the conversation

After reading the articles and exploring the database, use the discussion area to add your own comments, analysis and suggestions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Have you ever gotten sick after swimming at a beach, and do you think it could have been caused by bacteria in the water? Tell us where and what happened.

• Storm water runoff is one of the most common sources of beach water pollution. How would you tackle the problem, and do you think enough is being done to test water for bacteria?

• Add your own discussion topic

Source documents

Download the NRDC's complete Testing The Waters 2007 report as a PDF document for more information.

Essential reading

Microbes in water putting more beachgoers at risk, group finds

By LARRY WHEELER, Gannett News Service | August 6, 2007

Beaches across the country closed or posted warnings to swimmers a record number of times last year because of high levels of harmful bacteria, evidence that communities should do more to keep vacation beaches clean and safe, according to a national environmental group.

Explore the database

Learn about water quality at more than 50 popular beaches by clicking the umbrellas on the map below, which includes information compiled by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Gannett News Service. Zoom in on different parts of the map by using the controller on the left side of the map.

Select a state from the drop-down menu below to explore water-quality reports for more beaches.

More stories and information

Beach water testing always comes too late

August 6, 2007 |

States get creative to reduce bacteria levels in beach water

August 6, 2007 |

Environmental group says health-related beach closings set record

August 6, 2007 |

What scientists look for when testing the water

August 6, 2007 |

How to protect yourself at the beach

August 6, 2007 |

How you can help protect beach water from contamination

August 6, 2007 |

For more information

August 6, 2007 |

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