What is the protocol for closing a swimming beach?
The state Department of Health has not developed pollution standards for bathing beaches. When asked by local health departments, the state has recommended use of one of two standards: 1. the fecal coliform standard developed by the federal Water Pollution Control Federation, which is a geometric mean of 200 fecal coliforms, with not more than 10% of the samples exceeding 400. 2. the ten state standard which is a geometric mean of 200 fecal coliforms with no single sample exceeding 1000. There is no consistent approach among local health departments regarding when or if a beach is to be closed. Also, there is no consistent indicator or level of contamination used to signal the need for a closure action. Agencies may use total coliforms, fecal coliforms, or even alternatives such as E. coli and Enterococcus bacteria. Although the state Department of Health may be consulted, no standard protocol for closure of swimming beaches exists.
