Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health Program (BEACH)
BEACH is a partnership with Washington State Department of Heath, Department of Ecology and EPA, that tracks water quality of saltwater recreational beaches to protect public health.
How it works: Volunteers collect water samples weekly, June – September, in Fort Worden State Park. Samples are sent to an accredited lab to be analyzed for harmful bacterial loads. Beaches may be closed if harmful levels of bacteria are found in the samples.
Where to find data: This information is made available to the public on a website or by phone. Data for individual beaches For our data, pick "Fort Worden beach".
BEACH PROGRAM
Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication, &Health {BEACH PROGRAM}
Goal: The mission of the BEACH Program is to protect people who play on Washington's saltwater beaches. Swimming in contaminated saltwater can cause illness in humans. PTMSC volunteers send water samples from Fort Worden beaches to the WA Dept of Health. fecal bacteria, notify the public when the results are high, and educate beach goers on on how to avoid getting sick from playing in saltwater.
How it works: A PTMSC collects water samples weekly. These are sent to the Jefferson County Dept. of Health, are analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria. If the results are high, the public is notified and the beach may be closed. The Dept. of Health also educates people on how to avoid getting sick from playing in saltwater.
Number of PTMSC volunteers: 2 volunteers, with staff backup
Is this project open to new volunteers? Not at this time. Check back in March 2010.
To find detailed information about the program design and function, fecal bacteria monitoring results, advice on how to stay healthy at the beach, the program science, and useful maps, please visit the Department of Ecology's BEACH program web site.
insert photo BEACH
Connect to the Dept. of Health BEACH information website
Check water quality at Fort Worden State Park beaches