Coastal and shoreline development, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, septic tanks, animal feeding operations, urban runoff, disposal of human waste from boats, and bathers themselves all contribute to fecal contamination of our nation's recreation waters. People who swim and recreate in water contaminated with fecal pollution are at an increased risk of contracting gastrointestinal disease; respiratory, ear, eye, and skin infections; meningitis, and hepatitis (Rose et al., 1999). In response to these concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its BEACH Program in 1997. The goal of the program is to assist in reducing the risk of disease to users of U.S. recreation waters by focusing on several key objectives: strengthening water quality standards for bathing beaches; improving state and local government beach programs; better informing the public; and promoting scientific research to better protect the health of public beach users.

Cover title. "EPA 823-R-01-005." Superseded by National Beach Guidance and Required Performance Criteria for Grants (June 2002 EPA 823-B-02-004) http://www.epa.gov/OST/beaches/grants/guidance/index.html.