Recommendations issued by the Department of Health for posting advisory signs at beach areas are based upon the E. coli bacteria content of water samples collected at each beach.

Evaluation of water sample results is based on the single sample maximum standard adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2004 for the evaluation of fresh water beaches. It is felt that a single sample maximum standard allows beach managers to react more quickly to short-term changes in water quality, thus providing a greater level of protection for the bathing public.

The single sample maximum for E. coli bacteria content is 235 colony forming units (cfu) per 100mL of water tested.

Last Updated: 07/31/09

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