The Public Beach Inspection Program tests the waters at swimming beaches across New Hampshire during the swimming season. From late May until early September, personnel sample the water and inspect 16 coastal beaches once or twice a week. About 170 freshwater beaches are sampled monthly from June to August. The water samples are tested for the presence of water-borne pathogens. If high levels are present, advisories are issued to notify the public. In addition to monitoring the waters, the program supports studies to determine the sources for contamination of the beaches and education campaigns to inform people of beach sanitation.
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 16 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.