EPA conducts research to ensure that beaches, lakes and other recreational waters are safe for human use. Chemical contaminants and disease-causing microorganisms are monitored in waters to ensure human health is not affected through recreational activities, such as swimming or boating. This research builds a strong scientific foundation for up-to-date recreational water quality criteria designed to protect swimmers from illness due to exposure to pathogens in recreational waters.

Methods and Tools:

• Virtual Beach Tool
• Same-Day Monitoring Method for Recreational Water
• Methods, Models, Tools, and Databases for Water Research

Additional Resources:

• News: Digging in Beach Sand Linked to Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Illness Exit
• Beaches Research Fact Sheet (2009)
• Water Quality Standards: Recreational Water Quality Criteria