Peconic Baykeeper is a proud partner in the Eastern Long Island chapter of the Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-run water quality monitoring and testing program managed by The Surfrider Foundation that monitors over 60 sites on the East End. This program identifies any potential problems with bacteria pollution we may face in our coastal waters, allowing us to be proactive in protecting our local waterways and waterway users. The majority of these sites are not classified as “public bathing beaches” and are otherwise untested by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services or other entities.
Water samples are collected year-round (weekly during the summer months) at various beaches on the East End with processing done at our lab at our Hampton Bays office. Test results are posted to our Facebook and Instagram accounts with historical and current data also being found on the Blue Water Task Force website. We hope to expand this program to the North Fork in the future!
Why Is This Important?
The samples we take from our local beaches get tested for Enterococcus, a coli form bacterium that indicates fecal pollution (human or animal waste) and other pathogens that can lead to skin irritation and illness in people and pets. Fecal pollution also acts as a fertilizer for toxic algal blooms that are dangerous for people, pets, and wildlife. Before heading to the beach, check the above links for the most recent test results and warnings.
What Have We Learned?
In 2017, The Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island Chapter released “What’s In Your Water?,” an analysis of their four years of water quality testing on the East End. They found:
How Can You Stay Safe?
The following tips will help to protect yourself and your family from getting sick at the beach: