The Surfrider Foundation's 2024 Clean Water Report highlights the success of their Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) and Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) programs in addressing water quality and public health issues at beaches across the United States, including 10 identified "Beach Bacteria Hot Spots". The report showcases case studies of Surfrider chapters leveraging these programs to identify and fix sources of pollution, while also calling on Congress to maintain funding for the EPA's BEACH Act Grants program to support ongoing water quality monitoring and public notification efforts.
Surfrider Foundation's Clean Water Initiatives
- Surfrider Foundation has been working to improve coastal water quality since its founding in 1984.
- The 2024 Clean Water Report highlights the successes of the BWTF and OFG programs in addressing water quality issues.
- BWTF labs processed over 10,000 water samples from 604 sites in 2024, breaking previous testing records.
- New BWTF labs were established in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and existing programs were relaunched in Oregon and California.
- 80% of beaches tested (483 of 604) had at least one high bacteria result exceeding state health standards.
- The report features 10 "Beach Bacteria Hot Spots" across the East Coast, West Coast, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii where Surfrider chapters are consistently measuring high bacteria levels.
- Surfrider chapters are working to raise awareness of the pollution problems and provide critical public health information at these hotspot locations.
Addressing Sources of Pollution
- The ultimate goal is to use BWTF data to identify and fix the sources of pollution, prioritizing local efforts to restore clean water.
- Surfrider chapters are leveraging their OFG programs to help solve water quality problems caused by stormwater and urban runoff.
- Case studies highlight Surfrider's work to resolve sewage failures in Puerto Rico, track pollution sources in California, and monitor post-fire coastal water quality in Hawaii.
Policy and Advocacy Efforts
- The report calls on Congress to reject a proposal to eliminate funding for the EPA's BEACH Act Grants program, which supports water quality monitoring and public notification efforts.
- Surfrider is working at the local, state, and federal levels to protect clean water and ensure beaches and the ocean are safe for all to enjoy.
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