National Resource Defence Council’s (NRDC’s) annual beach analysis found that beach closing and advisory days added up to 20,120 last year. Though 2012 showed a decrease from the 24,091 advisory days in 2011, this is the 8th time in 9 years that advisory days were above 20,000.

Here are some quick facts from this new report:

  • More than 80% of closings and advisories were due to high bacteria levels.
  • Key bacteria contributors were stormwater runoff, sewage overflows & inadequately treated sewage, agricultural runoff, and other sources like beachgoers, wildlife, septic systems or boating waste.
  • The Great Lakes had the highest exceedance rate of all regions in 2012.
  • Delaware had the best track record in 2012.

You can read the full report online by clicking here.

Check Swim Guide for recent water quality testing results.

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