Database special report

Swim at your own risk

Harmful bacteria a growing danger at the beach

Video reports

Join the conversation

After reading the articles and exploring the database, use the discussion area to add your own comments, analysis and suggestions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Have you ever gotten sick after swimming at a beach, and do you think it could have been caused by bacteria in the water? Tell us where and what happened.

• Storm water runoff is one of the most common sources of beach water pollution. How would you tackle the problem, and do you think enough is being done to test water for bacteria?

• Add your own discussion topic

Source documents

Download the NRDC's complete Testing The Waters 2007 report as a PDF document for more information.

Essential reading

Explore the database

Learn about water quality at more than 50 popular beaches by clicking the umbrellas on the map below, which includes information compiled by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Gannett News Service. Zoom in on different parts of the map by using the controller on the left side of the map.

Select a state from the drop-down menu below to explore water-quality reports for more beaches.

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