New Hampshires Freshwater Beach Program

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New Hampshires Freshwater Beach Program
Lake Ossipee

• 20 Years of Problem Solving

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Program Purpose

• Protect public health!
• Inspect beaches for the presence of E. coli and
  cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
• Notify the public of E. coli exceedances and
  cyanobacteria scums
• Identify pollution sources
• Remediate pollutions sources
• Provide public education and outreach

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Freshwater Beach Program

• NH began its program over 20 years ago
• Currently 163 beaches monitored
• Beaches are monitored once per month from
  mid-June through Labor Day

Pawtuckaway Lake State Park, Spring 2005
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Freshwater Beach Program

• Current program is expanding!
• Designated Beaches A public bathing place that
  comprises an area on a water body and associated
  buildings and equipment, intended or used for
  bathing, swimming, or other primary water contact
  purposes. The term includes, but is not limited
  to, beaches or other swimming areas at hotels,
  motels, health facilities, water parks,
  condominium complexes, apartment complexes, youth
  recreation camps, public parks, and recreational
  campgrounds or camping parks as defined in RSA
  216-I1, VII. The term does not include any area
  on a water body which serves 3 or fewer living
  units and which is used only by the residents of
  the living units and their guests.

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Freshwater Beach Program

• Six new beaches in 2006!

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Monitoring Program

• Sanitary Facilities Inspect facilities for
  proper working conditions and health risks
• Safety Inspect beaches for presence of
  lifeguards, safety equipment, communication
  devices, and signage
• E. coli Monitor bathing area for the presence of
  bacteria and pathogens
• Cyanobacteria Monitor bathing area for the
  presence of surface scums

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E. coli

• There are several sources of E. coli to beach
  areas
• Waterfowl
• Bathers
• Domestic Animals
• Point sources pipes or other waters discharging
  directly to surface waters
• Non-point sources water originates from a more
  widespread area (agricultural, residential, or
  urban).

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E. coli

• Sources may lead to exceedances of the state E.
  coli standard (88 cts/100 mL) at public beaches.
• Upon exceedance of the standard, beach advisories
  are issued.

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SolutionsDucks, Geese and Other Waterfowl

• Waterfowl can defecate up to 28 times a day
• They defecate near where they eat
• People love to feed ducks and geese
• Ducks know people give hand-outs and have learned
  to seek it out

Fact Canada Geese can consume up to 4 lbs. of
grass per day creating about 3 lbs. of fecal
material!!
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Solutions

• Municipal ordinances forbid the feeding of
  waterfowl
• Repellent on grasses
• Beach fencing
• Public education and outreach
• Fact sheets

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Solutions Bathers

• Shower or rinse off before using a public beach.
• Do not swim if experiencing diarrhea or
  gastrointestinal illness
• Wash hands after using the restroom facilities
• Do not let children in diapers in the water

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Solutions Domestic Animals

• Provide pet waste stations if dogs are allowed on
  beach areas
• Ordinances restricting dogs on beaches and
  associated fines
• Education and outreach

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Point Sources and Non-Point Sources

• Agriculture
• Septic Systems
• Boat Sewage
• Stormwater Discharge

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Solutions Agriculture

• Cover Manure Piles!
• Place manure piles away from surface waters!
• Fence animals from water to restrict access!

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Solutions Septic Systems

• Regular inspection and maintenance of septic
  systems
• Pump system every 2-3 years

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Solutions Boat Sewage

• Install boat pump-out stations
• No Discharge Areas
• Public education

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Solutions Stormwater
Weirs Beach, Laconia
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Solutions Stormwater

• Stabilize banks, reduce erosion
• Install grass swales
• Use porous asphalt pavement for parking lots
• Collect all water from roof tops and treat
• TMDL studies

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Swales can help remove nutrients, pollutants, and
reduce runoff velocity from boat washing
stations.
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Porous Asphalt Pavement
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Toxic Cyanobacteria

• Produce toxins harmful to humans, domestic
  animals, livestock and wildlife

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NHDES Response

• Sample collection
• DES beach inspector, beach manager, or other
  person collects a sample of the suspected
  cyanobacteria scum
• Verification
• DES staff identify whether the sample is in fact
  a cyanobacteria that may contain toxins
• Cyanobacteria must be dominant in the sample
• Public notification
• DES posts a warning sign at the beach

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Stay out of the water if you see this or a
similar sign. Keep domestic animals from
drinking the water.
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Solutions Cyanobacteria

• Watershed study to locate sources of Phosphorus
• Recommend BMPs to reduce phosphorus

Oscillatoria
Microcystis
Anabaena
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• NHs Freshwater Beach Inspection Program inspects
  more than 150 beaches each year.
• Get out and enjoy them!

For Additional Information Contact Sara
Sumner Beach Program Coordinator (603)
271-8803 ssumner_at_des.state.nh.us