Annual Beach Report depressing read!

[Washington D.C.] According to the 21st annual beach water quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), storm water runoff and overflowing sewage systems continue to pollute the beaches of America.

Yuck.

And thanks to the BP oil spill, Florida got the brunt of it this time around. The report notes that a total of 1,747 oil notice and advisory days at 30 beaches were issued due to the spill in 2010.

In its 21st year, NRDC’s annual Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches offers detailed analysis of government beachwater testing data. The report confirms that in 2010, Florida’s beach water continues to see the effects from contaminates such as oil, and waste from both humans and animals.

The report also calls for immediate action to help curb pollution.

All of that is bad news for our ocean swimmers, of which Florida has the highest number in the nation, thanks to its 600 public beaches, a year-round swim season and more than 1,000 miles of coastal beach. In 2010, Florida’s was ranked sixth for beach water quality.

Beaches are a big deal to us. And they have been damaged greatly by our own hands. By issuing these annual reports, the NRDC hopes to raise awareness and put pressure on politicians to do the right thing when it comes to preserving our greatest natural resource. read more