Comments
How does your favorite beach measure up? Let us know if you think your beach is a bum or a buddy!
Water Quality at 100 Popular U.S. Beaches
Sun, 06/22/2008 - 2:07am
How clean is my ocean water
Sun, 05/25/2008 - 12:17pm
how is montulk beach?
Wed, 05/21/2008 - 12:38pm
This info is important to us; Victoria, capitol of super UNnatural British Columbia, dumps 34 MILLION gallons of raw, untreated sewage into Puget Sound, EVERY DAY...has been for years and years - despite the advertising LIES that BC is so 'pristine.'
Sun, 05/18/2008 - 11:04am
how is it?
Sat, 05/17/2008 - 5:16am
What is the current status of water quality
Sun, 05/11/2008 - 2:07pm
every beach I selected from VA to LA shows 2006 reports. If up to date info is not available, why keep the website?
Thu, 04/17/2008 - 6:59am
Jacksonville Beach does not appear on your map. Does that mean that it is not monitored? Where can I find the results if it is monitored? Thank you.
Wed, 01/16/2008 - 4:38am
oil spill indication
Sat, 01/12/2008 - 3:45am
Beautiful, pristine. No clutter or litter from what I saw for my one day there. No place in the world like it. Qite the drive and the hike to get to it.
Mon, 10/29/2007 - 5:20am
I was swimming at Bournmeth beach when my foot hit something in the water, I pulled it out. It was a can and I also noticed that it had a muddy brown fish in it I releaed the fish and could'nt help wondering how many more fishes were imprisoned in rubbish.
Sat, 10/20/2007 - 7:22am
Southbeach is littered with trash washed up on shore and dropped by people. There is not one square yard free of man made trash. The city provides trash cans but they are located away from where the majority of the beach activity takes place. The location seems to be where the vehicle that collects trash can best operate and will not sink in the sand. Occasionally there are ground crews walking the shore but they only occasionally pick up trash. I have never seen a police officer or lifeguard do anything to people that litter. Beautiful location ruined.
Thu, 09/06/2007 - 9:30pm
The Army Core of Engineers is destroying the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico with "Beach Renourishment". Two years ago our native beaches were destroyed by the underwater mining of a "mountain top" (approximately 1.5 miles off of our coastline). The spoils from this mining were spewed upon our beaches for months. Approximately 60,000 cy/day of ground up marine animals and "sand" were placed on top of our native beach and associated wildlife. (The place stank like death for over 2 months.) The ecological effects of this unresearched practice are far reaching.
Thu, 09/06/2007 - 8:35am
During July and again in August, CC drinking water contained fecal contamination. This is really no surprise. The beaches look dirty with abundant 'seaweed', discarded industrial gloves, bottles, etc. It is really sad to look at and of course, we no longer go in the water, ever.
Wed, 09/05/2007 - 11:13am
Over the past few years I have noticed the beaches of the North Shore of Boston have become noticeably cleaner and more swimmable . I recently visited Deveraux Beach in Marblehead , Ma. and it was crystal clear . My personal all time favorite though is Plum Island , Newburyport , Ma. This is an amazing beach area and with the Parker River Wildlife Refuge nearby I can't think of a better North Shore beach area to spend the weekend .
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 5:24pm
I could not find an umbrella to find info on your web site to find data on revere beach.
Sun, 08/26/2007 - 9:27pm
I live 3 blocks from this beach, and it is one of my favorite place's to surf (S.D. has 70 miles of coast, and lot's of waves.But several times a year this beach, which sit's at the mouth of a river is closed, due to sewer breaks and run-off, especially after any rain- the local health department reccommends staying out of the water for 72 hours after any rainfall. Myself as well as many of my friends have become ill with respiratory ,abdominal, and skin problems! As a life long resident of S.D. and a die hard surfer for 45 of my 54 years polluted beaches are heartbreaking as well as unhealthy for all. Gene West
Sun, 08/26/2007 - 9:58am
Is there data for any of the South Carolina barrier islands, specifically, Isle of Palms? It seems OK, but you never know!
Sun, 08/26/2007 - 2:05am
Do you have any reports of sampling and testing on the shorelines of lower Budd Inlet? There are known widespread dioxin and volotile PAHs throughout the area from historical industrial actities, which have been seeping out onto the beaches and into the Bay. However, Ecology and the County Health Dept. have been very slow and resistant to testing, and very hesitant to impose penalties due to commercial and political considerations - the environment and people need proper protection from these very dangerous chemicals. Can your organization help in any way?
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 3:30pm
The Great Lakes are fresh water sources where cities draw their water supplies. I'd like the medical and corporate waste reports.
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 11:39am
What is the water quality of the beaches at Palm Beach, Florida?
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 10:50am
I'd like to know the cleanliness of the beaches around S.t Thomas. We water quality report but I don't recall Beach reports.
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 6:46am
I'd like to know about lake quality as well. I swim in Lake Lanier and many house-bound locals say it's too polluted in which to swim. I also would like to know about the Great Lakes. ; ) How do we trust local reports that may be bias for their own protection?
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 9:58pm
Amen to Amanda in Racine WI. How can we stop this damage to our gift???????
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 6:40pm
Where is the data on the Great Lakes????
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 4:01pm
The only "beach" near my home is along the shores of the Sacramento/American Rivers (which end up draining to the Pacific Ocean via the Sac/San Joaquin Delta. We have a huge "transient" population; these populations are a source of fecal waste and trash, such as hypodermic needles, condoms, trashy magazines, single-serving containers from fast-food restaurant donations to Loaves & Fishes, etc. We even have critical habitat for a threatened and endangered species along the river. These people burn plastic off salvaged or stolen copper wires to get some quick cash, this rare habitat is trashed and burned in the process. We need effective social programs in place that help these people get off drugs and off the street.
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:47am
At the moment i don't live in the US. But i travel all the time to different places around Europe... As for the beach near my home in Tel-Aviv i can say that it's teribble!!! It's very dirty and the sea water is very poluted!!! i wish that someone would do something about it, the government doesn't really have the time for invironment because of the political situation and its very sad to see such a beautiful beach so dirty and poluted! on the other hand they try to save the red sea (near Eilat) they do a lot there but i still think its not enough! if u have the chance to do anything about it. even if its just sending a letter...please do it...because i think they have stoped listening to people from their own country. Good bye!
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:43am
The beaches here are not very clean at all as a matter of fact there are times when we walk on the beach and there is garbage. Cans, mattresses, and misc items are left on the beach. I and my four year old son pick up items, being native american and human it makes me sad to see people abuse the beach. It starts with our creeks in which people treat as dump yards. Sad to see this is what our children have to look forward to.
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:13am
I would also like to see info on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes states have thousands of miles of beaches and coastline. Thank you for your efforts.
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 8:51am
I work right on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Kemper Center, and because of the hot weather I just wanted to put my feet in the cool water. Well, after all the rain we have had in So. East WI the water department dumped raw sewage straight into the Lake. Looks like my feet won't be cooled off now!!!!
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 8:07am
Clean and mostly used by the local community There are no parling facilities that allow people from other areas to use the beach. Water contamination happens 1-3 times per year due to old sewer pipes that are now being fixed?
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 3:35am
I stay on False Bay Indian ocean side of Cape Town (Muizenberg). The water here is often a thick creamy brown - as a result of the outflow of effluent from the sewerage works slightly further up the coast. It smells accordingly. The authorities insist that it is a bacteria that is prevalent here on the sandy type beaches where we stay. What they do not say is that this is just a by product of the high protein poop that they are incorrectly trating and pumping (huge quantities) into the ocean...
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 11:07pm
There is so much beach erosion at these beaches that the sand is now at a steep incline, causing very extreme undercurrents that can easily knock a grown person over and drag them out. The incline makes swimming next to impossible and definitely ONLY for the very strong, very experienced ocean swimmer.
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 9:41pm
I wish you would check the Great Lakes instead of just the oceans.
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 5:54pm
The waters have never appeared to be this clean. However I would love to see somebody testing the water and the results posted on the Beach, especially after a big rain storm. We have 2 sewerage treatment plants nearby.
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 5:46pm
WATER IS CLEANEST I REMEMBER FISHING IS WORST IN 30+ YEARS
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 5:29pm
We have the most beautiful beach on the East Coast.
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 6:43am
VERY CLEAN AND TIDY
Tue, 08/21/2007 - 1:40pm
The local beach in Cape Coral Florida is a cesspool! Full of trash and feces. The sand is nothing more than trash, cigarette butts and bird crap. The water is black. God knows what you step on inside the water. It is absolutely filthy. Floating debris everywhere! The worst beach in America!
Tue, 08/21/2007 - 1:37pm
Our beach water looks like lake water. It is so brown and nasty. Floating debris everywhere. The city never cleans up the seaweed washed ashore. It smells of dead fish! The sand is full of cigarette butts, bottle caps and dung!
Sun, 08/19/2007 - 2:00pm
we have river sand now ,2weeks the water was bad ,or had feckal mader in it but thay will not post it to the users from out town.the city keeps it hush hush .can you help befor some one dies. ps. rowes_reef@sbcglobal.net
Sun, 08/12/2007 - 11:53pm
Juno Beach buddy. Can't find it on your list. I think it ok. This beach was never closed. Thank you Tom
Sat, 08/11/2007 - 12:09pm
My family lives near Indianola Beach and Magnolia Beach--right near Pt.Lavaca,Tx--are the beaches monitored there? If so are they safe-if not why not?I have long had concerns about the bay there as Alcoa dumped mercury in the bay a while back.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 3:52pm
You can find EPA's 2006 Swimming Season Update, which includes information on advisories and closures at over 3,700 coastal and Great Lakes beaches, on EPA's Beach Program web site, at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/seasons/2006/ For information on specific beaches, you can visit EPA's Beach Advisory and Closing On-line Notification (BEACON) website, at http://oaspub.epa.gov/beacon/beacon_national_page.main For general information on EPA's beach program, please visit http://www.epa.gov/beaches/
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 1:42pm
That the beach at lightly populated, nearly rural Malibu is failing the standards at a rate of 33% versus the 2 to 10% rate for beaches at densely populated and completely urbanized Venice and Hermosa is very interesting. I wonder how this is accounted for. It certainly contradicts the accepted wisdom here in LA as I understand it that if you want to go into the water go north to Malibu and stay out of the South Bay. Any thoughts?
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 10:43am
Orchard Beach in the Bronx is just downright DISGUSTING. Let's start w/the bathrooms. The ladies room attendant keeps a large roll of toilet paper CHAINED to the door. The reason is bc the women would walk off w/rolls of paper. Don't ask, it's the Bronx. If it's not nailed down, it will be taken. I don't know how this happens but the bathroom floor always has a few inches of dirty water. Now for the beach. The water is dirty. I don't care what anyone says, I have seen garbage floating in it. It's just GROSS. I blame those who go there. People just don't care.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 10:41am
I frequent beaches along the CT coastline and the RI coastline. I feel like the long island sound contributes to the water looking dirty. I go to other beaches throughout New England and see cleaner beaches with what seems to be cleaner water. I do not enjoy swimming in the waters of the long island sound because I do not feel it is clean.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 10:18am
I was at the beach in April,and while Stewart Beach at Galveston has always been slightly dirty, I was surprised by the amount of broken glass, trash laying around, and in general an unkept appearance. I returned to the same beach just last week, August, and found the conditions were improved some. How does Stewart Beach at Galveston rank in your findings as to water quality, beach cleanliness, and safe conditions?
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 9:35am
i have been many beaches along the east coast, i would have rate wildwood crest nj as one of the most beautiful I have ever been to .
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 9:00am
Water is pristine here. No beach closings. Beach sand is the best on the East Coast.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 6:53am
I dont live near a beach,but I do swim in the local creek (the Wildcat), and my friends and I love going to France Park near Logansport Indiana. My favorite spot is the Indiana and Michigan dunes. Do you have anything on these areas? I really dont care to swim in pools. Karen@upgrade1.com
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 12:42am
we love the beach here. clearwater is always clean and beautiful!!
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 12:34am
My daughter visits Pomponio Beach weekly. She has taken photos and has rescued ailing sea life found along the shore. Armed with a trash bag, she has collected rubbish along the cliffs and coves. Two weeks ago, she was interrupted by a man who had a tent on the beach, who flashed at her. She was thankful that nothing more sinister happened, as the whole scene was under heavy fog. How can this sort of thing happen in a beach which is under some sort of patrol. My daughter called me and not the police, who could have been a whole lot more effective. This isn't about pollution, but about someone who used to enjoy the therapuetic values ot the sea and the beach--vital to their enjoyment of California. Now she'll probably be moving to land-locked Missouri.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 12:22am
How clean and safe is our beach.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 12:19am
I think the beaches in Myrtle Beach should qualify as "beach buddies". The sites mentioned where testing yieled poor results more than 25% of the time represent a small portion of the 60-mile stretch of beach in the area. Also, the testing done by our state agency is done weekly and they usually test after a large rainfall, which is naturally going to increase the bacteria in the water.
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 12:15am
I was wondering about the area of McFaddin and Crystal Beaches of I87 in Texas. I didn't see them listed, but they get a lot of traffic. I would really like to know how safe or unsafe the water really is. How often is it tested, and what are the violations, if that can be found?
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 10:34pm
I looked for but did not see any reports on the beaches in Galveston,TX I am a native Texan and as a child enjoyed summer trips with the family from our home in East Texas to the Galvestion beaches. It was fun and safe, healthy family outings. It is now roughly a toxic dump. We have had stories of small childen finding and perhaps being injured by meical wast washing up on the beaches. Toxic chemicals in the water. The baches that were once clean and safe are now tabo because of medical and chemical waste. Another issue is the danger on the Galvestion beaches of gang activity. It makes me very sad that I have to go to another state or country to find clean beaches. I hope ther is still something we can do.
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 7:57pm
Great beach
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 6:51pm
ALWAYS CLEAN. THIS IS WHERE I TAKE MY FAMILY ON VACATION EVERY YEAR. NOMATTER WHAT TIME OF YEAR WE SHOW UP THEY ALWAYS HAVE IT LOOKING LIKE A SHOWROOM. THE ONE THING MY 3 YEAR OLD SAID WAS THAT THE BATHROOM SMELLED GOOOOOOOOOD DADDY. SO PLEASE IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO , GO THERE IT IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT. THANK YOU, BILL
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 3:28pm
We have been going to Bethany Beach during the first week in August at Lifeguard Station #6 every year since 1998. This is the first year that I could stand in water chest/neck deep and see my feet.
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 12:26pm
Doug, check out weekly beach report cards for santa cruz and all of coastal CA at www.healthebay.org
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 11:07am
Anyone know how clean Santa Cruz / Seabright beach is? I go swimming there alot sometimes it looks clean other times... not so much. Any data on this? Thanks
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 10:44am
The ocean and the bay water in North Wildwood, New Jersey are just beautiful and clear.
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 9:10am
great beach
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 3:55am
great beach
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 3:51am
Definitely a beach buddy, the beach in Destin, Fl located between Pensacola, Fl, and Panama City, Fl is one of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in America. The sand is sugar white and the water is emerald. Perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving or just soaking up the sun. If you have never been here make this your next beach vacation but beware once here you will never be satisfied on any other beach again.
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 12:35am
What about the beaches and water in Florida's Big Bend area? There are advisories all the time issued on the state level.
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 11:28pm
Folly Beach in Charleston SC is FANTASTIC. But stay away tourists its the locals beach!! Tourists not welcome...got to the “Redneck Rivera” (Myrtle Beach, SC) if you want to visit SC beaches.
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 8:26pm
Did you forget Staten Island beaches? Midland Beach and South Beach? It has been in the news recently...people getting stuck with needles aka hospital waste yet the borough president says it's clean and safe, why isn't it on here at all?
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 7:01pm
How clean is the water along the Oregon coast?
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 7:00pm
I think our beaches in St. Augustine are pretty clean. The water is usually clear. I would like to know how our water and beaches are rated.
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 4:02pm
well
Tue, 08/07/2007 - 1:20pm
None of the monitored beach sites in Brunswick County, North Carolina had any closings or advisories reported during 2006. Our Board of Commissioners took a proactive approach to stormwater management in September, 2002 when they volutarily enacted a Phase II compliant stormwater ordinance. It is a top priority of our Board to maintain the high quality of our inland and coastal waters. Steven T. Stone Assistant County Manager Brunswick County, North Carolina sstone@brunsco.net www.brunswickcountync.gov
Mon, 07/30/2007 - 11:50am
I would like to nominate my two favorite beaches: Cold Storage Beach - Dennis MA Bayview Beach - Dennis MA I love both beaches but also have some concerns Thank you
Mon, 07/30/2007 - 10:39am
There are no beaches like the ones on Egmont Key on the west coast of Florida. On one side of the key, you have beautiful gulf waters of that unique shade of blue-green with the white sand and interesting shells. The other side is much more narrow but no less beautiful. This is a place I can vist over and over again, without getting tired of it. The main reason these beaches are so wonderful if you can only get to them by boat.
Sun, 07/29/2007 - 5:52pm
Check out North Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida. You'll find the water warm with beautiful soft, white sand. Or just across the pass from North Lido is Longboat Key.
Sat, 07/28/2007 - 2:07pm
My favorite beach is on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina. It's a quiet place where you can see porpoises, sand dollars, and other amazing ocean dwellers. The dunes are protected, and there are plenty of grasses between the beach and the closest houses. An added bonus is the great historic site, Fort Moultrie, on the southern end. It's a beautiful place that hasn't sold out completely yet.
Fri, 07/27/2007 - 2:22pm
I live in Ocean View area of Norfolk, a scant mile from the Chesapeake Bay. I never do go in the nearby water anymore. I'd rather drive 20 miles down the road to Virginia Beach and swim in the ocean. At this location the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, so I wonder if I have just an illusion of safety. Norfolk is surrounded by a large Naval military complex. The waters of "Hampton Roads” are heavily trafficked by industrial shipping. Quite a few large shipyards are also located nearby on rivers which flow into the once beautiful Bay. Just how safe are these beaches in Norfolk for people to swim in ? I see families and many children splashing and swimming. Just how safe are they? I hope you will consider the beaches of Norfolk, VA in your survey. Thank you.
Fri, 07/27/2007 - 2:56am
Located on Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes are absolutely beautiful. Or, at least, they were in the year 1998, when I visited. I suspect that little has changed yet. I use the word 'yet', because the governor of the State of Indiana has decided to begin dumping our state's toxic waste into this gorgeous lake, which is used for everything from recreation to commerce. As the lake shares a border with Chicago, millions of people could suffer contamination, should this go forward. Please do something to save this beautiful place. I can't, for my own reasons, accomplish this task. Not alone, at least. But I'll be damned if I won't fight for a clean Lake Michigan when I can!
Thu, 07/26/2007 - 9:14pm
I'd like to nominate Lewes Beach, in Lewes Delaware for an NRDC Beach Buddy. Lewes Beach, while a popular regional destination, is also at the intersection of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and thus a key location where the river dumps into the ocean. The Delaware Bay and River is a major route for ocean tankers and oilers and has a history of accidental spills. Additionally, it is the western terminus of a very busy ferry between New Jersey and Delaware. The beach should be an excellent bellwether to monitor bay and ocean pollution.
Thu, 07/26/2007 - 8:39pm
Scripps Beach has been part of an ecological preserve protected by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography for many years. The water quality is tested regularly, and many activities are regulated in order to keep our beach safe and clean. This area is popular both recreationally and as a region very suitable for scientific research.
Thu, 07/26/2007 - 1:50pm
How clean is it?
Wed, 07/25/2007 - 11:02pm
Carteret County We have a clean, healthy beach.Our community has leaders who are committed to keeping clean water. The residents, tourists, dolphin, birds, and nesting turtles all enjoy it. Fishing seems to be an enjoyable sport on and offshore.
Wed, 07/25/2007 - 2:19pm
I'm curious about how bad the water really is on Lake Michigan right by the city of Chicago. Would you include those beaches in your research and post how they rank among other beaches around our country? Thank you!
Tue, 07/24/2007 - 10:38pm
popular beach in Malibu with pretty decent tidepool life
Fri, 07/13/2007 - 5:00pm
Definitely Nauset Beach, Orleans, Cape Cod, Mass. Best waves!
Fri, 07/13/2007 - 4:00pm
I nominate Philbin Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Why? It simply feels as if it's at the end of the earth: under the arm of the Gay Head cliffs, it sweeps wide down the windblown southwestern tip of the island. The bluest water in the northeast, waves you can surf or just admire, and with not a crowd, condo or cruise ship on the horizon.
Fri, 06/29/2007 - 4:04pm
just visiting, and the jersey beaches are nicer than the ones in Newfoundland. ours are rocky, not sandy.
Fri, 06/29/2007 - 11:35am
Glad to see that South Beach on Martha's Vineyard really IS as clean as it looks! GO there if you love great surf!
Fri, 06/29/2007 - 9:40am
Some of the beaches on Long Island are nice but Jones beach gets really crowded.
Fri, 06/29/2007 - 9:36am
Coney island has a nice boardwalk.
Mon, 05/21/2007 - 7:11pm
Coney Island's beach is much cleaner than I would have thought!
