The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making beach days a little safer this summer with over $1.4 million in grant funding to help states monitor coastal water quality and notify the public when swimming could pose health risks.

The grants are part of the BEACH Act—short for Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health—which aims to protect beachgoers from illness-causing bacteria, like E. coli and enterococci, especially after heavy rains or pollution events.

In New England, the EPA is providing more than $1.1 million in funding to support local water quality programs. The breakdown includes:

• Maine: $258,000
• Massachusetts: $258,000
• Rhode Island: $214,000
• Connecticut: $209,000
• New Hampshire: $194,000

“A clean and safe New England coastline is an economic driver for the region,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. “Through collaborative efforts with state and local entities, EPA's BEACH Act funding will help protect New Englanders from getting sick, while ensuring that local economies, that rely on beachgoers, know what to expect.”

Meanwhile, in EPA Region 6, which covers the Gulf Coast, Texas and Louisiana are also receiving support:

• Texas: $382,000
• Louisiana: $359,000

“With $9.7 million from EPA, states and local authorities can help ensure that our beaches are open for business and that beachgoers can swim and splash without fear of getting sick,” said Peggy Browne, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water.

EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason added, “Ensuring the safety of beaches allows all Americans to have fun in the sun while providing an economic boost to coastal communities.”

Why It Matters

The BEACH Act grants help states develop and implement programs for beach water monitoring and public notifications. To qualify, recipients must have approved water quality standards and meet performance criteria related to monitoring and public communication. Funding is determined by the length of the beach season, shoreline miles, and population size of nearby coastal counties.

So before heading to your favorite beach, the EPA advises checking local beach advisory websites for any closures or warnings. It’s a simple step that helps protect your health and keeps your summer memories worry-free. To learn more about the BEACH Act and the latest grant allocations, visit epa.gov/beaches.