TThe Beach Inspection Program monitors the water at New Hampshire public swimming beaches from late May until early September. Personnel collect water for analysis at coastal and freshwater beaches. The water samples are analyzed for fecal bacteria to protect public health.
Bacteria counts that exceed state standards at designated public beaches result in an advisory to notify the public once results are available, approximately 24 hours after sampling.
In addition to monitoring beach waters, the program supports studies to determine bacteria sources to beaches and provides education campaigns to inform people of beach quality.
Public Beach Inspection Program personnel monitor about 170 freshwater public bathing beaches on a monthly basis, and 17 coastal beaches on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the swim season. DES beach inspectors collect two to five bacteria samples from each beach depending upon the bathing area length. 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.
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 (formerly called 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.