EPA Boosts Beach Water Quality Monitoring with $9.75 Million in Grants, Focusing on the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $9.75 million in grants to coastal and Great Lakes communities to enhance their beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs. This funding, distributed under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, will enable states, Tribes, and territories to conduct comprehensive testing for harmful bacteria and pollutants in beach waters, ensuring the safety of recreational areas that serve as vital economic and tourism hubs.

 

A significant portion of this funding, approximately $730,000, will be allocated to the Pacific Northwest region and Alaska, supporting the monitoring efforts of these states, as well as the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. This targeted investment reflects the EPA's commitment to protecting public health and the environment in diverse coastal regions across the country. 

 

Grants will be allocated based on factors such as the length of the beach season, the extent of shoreline, and the population density of coastal counties. Recipients will utilize this funding to enhance their monitoring and assessment capabilities, enabling them to identify pollution sources and promptly inform the public of any potential health risks through advisories or closures.

 

You can learn more about this program and funding opportunity here. 

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).