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Watershed Management Bureau
Public Beach Inspection Program
Public Beach Inspection Program personnel monitor and sample beaches
throughout the state from mid-June through Labor Day. About 170 public bathing
beaches on lakes, rivers, and impoundments are inspected on a monthly basis,
while about 15 coastal and estuarine beaches are inspected on a weekly or
bi-weekly basis during the swim season. DES Beach Inspectors collect two to
three bacteria samples from each beach depending upon the length of the bathing
area. Also, DES inspects on-site toilet facilities, the bathing area, and
surrounding areas for the presence of potential health threats, and confers with
lifeguards and the public to address their concerns.
In addition to monitoring/sampling over 180 public beaches, the program is
responsible for issuing advisories when state water quality standards are
exceeded. Advisories are currently issued for high bacteria levels and/or the
presence of a toxic cyanobacterial scum at public bathing areas.
DES's Public Beach Inspection Program has monitored public beaches for over
20 years in response to the potential health threats associated with water-borne
pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for water-borne diseases such as
cholera, giardiasis, gastroenteritis, and cryptosporidiosis. DES also recognizes
the threat of toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at public beaches.
Cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins known to target the liver and
central nervous system and can cause irritations to the skin and mucous
membranes. As the use of New Hampshire's inland and coastal waters grows, the
continued goal of the program is to protect public health and inform the public
of potential health risks at public beaches.
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