Beach Testing
Summer Beach Testing Program
During the summer months, water samples from association and public beaches in Salem are collected and submitted for microbiological analysis to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Laboratory in Concord. Typically, samples are collected at the beginning of June, July, and August of every year.
The 100 milliliter samples are analyzed for Escherichia coli (E. coli), the indicator organism utilized to determine safe swimming conditions. The State of New Hampshire allows 88 colonies of E. coli per sample in Grade B Swimmable Waters. If a beach sample exceeds the standard of 88, a second sample is collected and analyzed to verify the results. If two subsequent samples exceed the standard, a notice is posted at the beach advising residents that it may be unsafe for swimming. The notice is kept posted until additional sampling verifies that the levels of bacterial have decreased and it is safe to swim.
Residents are advised not feed geese and ducks to assist in maintaining a clean and safe beach. Birds will defecate in the area where they eat and this excrement is laden with bacteria which can affect the water quality of the beach. Also, ducks are the host for the parasite that causes Swimmers' Itch, see http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/bb/documents/bb-2.pdf.
What Can I Do For My Beach
- Keep Litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of street gutters and storm drains.
- Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
- Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly. The town of Salem usually sponsors a Household Hazardous Waste Collection in September.
- Clean up spilled oil, brake fluid, grease and antifreeze. Do not hose into the street.
- Control soil erosion on your property.
June, 2011 Beach Testing Results
July, 2011 Beach Testing Results
Contact the Health Department
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Salem Health Department Phone: (603) 890-2050 Office Hours Health Officer FDA Certified Inspector This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
