WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will distribute $9.7 million in grant funding to help states, Tribes and territories monitor water quality at beaches across the country, including Delaware. The effort is aimed at keeping swimmers safe from illness-causing bacteria this summer.
Delaware is expected to receive $210,000 and Maryland $265,000. These funds will be used to test water and issue alerts when bacteria levels make swimming potentially unsafe.
The funding, issued through the BEACH Act, supports water quality testing and public notification systems at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. EPA officials said the initiative helps ensure recreational waters remain open and safe for millions of beachgoers, while supporting local economies.
“Millions of Americans will travel to the beach this summer to relax or play in the water. They will make lifelong memories and provide a boon to local economies,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Peggy Browne. “With $9.7 million from EPA, states and local authorities can help ensure that our beaches are open for business and that beachgoers can swim and splash without fear of getting sick.”
The EPA anticipates that it will award grants to the following eligible recipients after all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.