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BEACH

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Main Project Information
Goal Reduce risk of disease for people swimming in WA beaches.
Task Monitor WA beaches for bacteria called "enterococci."
Where Washington United States
Description

Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication, Health (BEACH) volunteers monitor high-risk Washington state beaches for bacteria. Beaches are considered high-risk when they have a lot of recreational users and are located near potential bacteria sources.

Monitoring can indicate pollution from sewage treatment plant problems, boating waste, malfunctioning septic systems, animal waste, or other sources of fecal pollution. BEACH volunteers monitor for an indicator bacteria called "enterococci." The presence of this bacteria at elevated levels means there is a potential for disease-causing bacteria and viruses to also be present.

BEACH is intended to reduce the risk of disease for people who play in saltwater. The program strives to educate the public about the risks associated with polluted water and what each of us can do to reduce that risk.
How to Join

For more information on how to get started, contact the project coordinator:

BEACH Program Manager
Washington State Departments of Ecology & Health
debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov
Desk: (360) 407-6543
Fax: (360) 407-6884
(360) 407-6543

Website http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/index.html
Social Media
Required Gear

BEACH provides the required sampling tools.
Ideal Age Group Middle school (11 - 13 years), High school (14 - 17 years), College, Graduate students, Adults
Spend the Time outdoors
Type of Activity At the beach, In oceans, streams, rivers, lakes
Media Mentions
and Publications
Tags Ocean
Project Updated 04/21/2017

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