Are beach managers expected to test for E. coli AND enterococci?
BSA.10. Yes, for a beach manager to be consistent with CWA 406(b) and the nine performance criteria published in the National Beach Guidance and Performance Criteria for Grants EPA-823-B-02-004, beach managers should be testing beach water quality using one or both of the two EPA approved bacterial indicators for measuring recreation water quality. These indicators are E.coli and enterococcus. As required under the BEACH Act, EPA promulgated criteria for bacteria for coastal recreation waters under 40 CFR Part 131 Water Quality Standards for Coastal and Great Lakes Recreation Waters in a Final Rule published in the Federal Register November 16, 2004, Vol. 69, No. 220, 67218-67243). Please refer to the Federal Guidance under Applicant Eligibility and Question 2.
