Over the last several years, thousands of beaches have been closed as a result of bacterial contamination from sewage and polluted runoff from farms and city streets. Most of us, when we plan our summer vacations at the beach, don't think of getting sick.
Surfers know better, though.
Over the last several years, thousands of beaches have been closed as a result of bacterial contamination from sewage and polluted runoff from farms and city streets. But water quality at the majority of public beaches is not tested, or in some cases, it's tested but the public is not notified of the results. The legislation, H.R. 999, is designed to establish uniform criteria for testing, monitoring and notifying the public of beach water quality. Everyone spoke in favor of the bill. Under the bill, states will have three and one half years from the time it's signed to put testing standards, monitoring timetables and notification programs in place.