Rapid Methods Beach Water Quality Testing

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

The County of Orange Health care Agency’s Water Quality Program took part in an eight-week project that demonstrated that use of new ocean water testing methods. These new rapid methods provided same day results of water status and notification to the public. The project was known as the Beach Water Quality rapid Methods Demonstration Project and was the first of its kind in e nation to use rapid methods technology for ocean water quality testing and public health notification purposes. To enhance public health protection, the Rapid methods Project provided water quality testing results in two to four hours as compared with the 24 hours turnaround of standard methods, and provided beach-goers with same-day information about the quality of ocean waters. As a result, faster and more meaningful water quality advisories were provided, keeping surfers, swimmers, and all other beach-goers better informed of ocean water quality conditions and potential health risks.