Dr. Norene Moskalski
Keyword
  • Home
  • Contact Norene
  • Ecology Blog
  • Links
  • Media Room
  • Nocturne Reviews
  • Nocturne Excerpts

DNREC Tests the Water at the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean Beaches

7/21/2012

2 Comments

 

Making the Delaware Beaches Safer Through Quality Beach Water Testing by DNREC

Picture
Why does Dr. Kate Connors worry about beach water quality in Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam? First of all, she is the mother of a precocious three-year-old daughter and she loves her dearly. Which parent among us wouldn't pay attention to our child's surroundings, especially in new places like on vacation at the beach? Our first concern would be strangers, followed by activity safety, which includes monitoring how close our child gets to the water, or how far into the water our child goes, or how deep of water our child swims in. Then we think of sharks! (Sorry. But that topic does lurk in the back of most parents' minds, whether they care to admit it or not.) More realistically, in terms of probability of contact, we scan the water's surface for the bobbling, rounded shape of jellyfish. But how many of us also see this standard beach scene through the microscopic and macroscopic eyes of a scientist? 

Kate Connors is a scientist, a medical researcher studying the effects of bacteria on the human body. Specifically, she studies Bacillus nocturne, a normally passive, estuary bacteria that floats harmlessly in rivers, bays and oceans. Why does she study this bacteria? Because the organization that hired her, the Institute for Public Policy and Safety, knows that someone has genetically altered Bacillus nocturne. Kate sees danger where we see children laughing and tumbling in the surf. 

Is there a problem with our beach water quality in the United States? Yes, in some places. A few years ago, I found a sign posted by DNREC, Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, at an entrance to an inland bay beach. It read:

 “The waters of the Inland Bays may contain organisms that could be harmful to your health. Swimming could result in an increased risk of rashes, infections or gastrointestinal distress, especially during and after rainfall. For your health and safety, please swim at beaches with lifeguards where the water quality is tested weekly. For information on beach water quality or to report illnesses resulting from contact with these waters, please call 1-800-922-WAVE or visit www.dnrec.state.de.us.” 

Have you seen water quality warning signs near any of the beaches you've visited? What did they say? 




2 Comments

Beach Water Quality

7/13/2012

1 Comment

 


Know How To Check For Local Beach Water Quality Reports

Picture
In my new novel, Dr. Kate Connors always checks the beach water quality reports before she allows her three-year-old daughter Crystal to play in the water. How many of us actually know where those water quality reports are posted and which beaches are most likely to have contaminated water? In Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam, characters participate in a fact-based political debate about which beaches along the United States' seacoast have passed water quality tests, which are the worst offenders, and how quickly tourists and local residents are notified of a problem.   

Where are the water quality reports posted in your state for bodies of water where children and adults play, swim, kayak, sail, or participate in other activities? 

In Delaware the marine beachwater monitoring is done by DNREC, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Posted on their websitehttp://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/RecWater/ are maps citing water quality at state beaches and the following information:
 
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Recreational Water Program protects the health of swimmers in a number of ways. 
  • Shoreline surveys are conducted adjacent to guarded recreational beaches to identify all actual and potential sources of pollution.
  • Water samples are collected at least weekly at all guarded beaches during the swimming season (mid May through Labor Day).
  • Water samples are analyzed to determine the levels of Enterococci bacteria in recreational waters. Enterococcus is one of several indicator organisms that signal the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 
  • Signs have been posted at popular public access points around Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay to warn potential swimmers of the risks associated with swimming in poor quality waters.
  • For your health and safety, the Department recommends swimming only at guarded beaches where water samples are collected.
  • There is a permanent caution regarding swimming in the Inland Bays. The Inland Bays suffer from nutrient pollution, coming from failing septic systems, fertilizers and other sources. Water is slow to flush out of these bays--Indian River Bay, Rehoboth Bay and Little Assawoman Bay, so pollutants linger.
For current information about swimming advisories, please click on any of the beaches on the adjacent, or call our toll-free, 24-hour "Beach Hotline" at 1-800-922-WAVE.

Want Beach Monitoring Advisories hot off the press? Join the Beach Monitoring list from DNREC Online Email Lists.


1 Comment

Delaware's Atlantic Beaches Earn Top Water Quality Ratings in the Nation

6/30/2012

2 Comments

 

Dewey and Rehoboth Beaches Earn Top Water Quality Ratings Again. Congratulations to Everyone Responsible for Maintaining Delaware's Atlantic Beaches' Pristine Conditions.

The National Resources Defense Council's report "Testing the Waters" has once again recognized local Delaware beaches with "Superstar" ratings. Each year the Council evaluates two of the most popular beaches in each state for consideration of its five-star rating. Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches are the most visited beaches in the state and received the top rating. Delaware's other Atlantic Seashore Beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park, Fenwick Island, and Fenwick Island State Park all had perfect water quality reports as well in 2011. 


Delaware ranked first overall out of 30 states with beaches for the cleanest water quality in the United States. Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary Collin O'Mara said, "With Delaware receiving top honors nationally and both Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach being recognized again by NRDC, Delaware is emerging as the most pristine beach destination in the nation." 


The concerted efforts of local agricultural and retail community members, federal, state, and local government officials and regulators, industry leaders, researchers and educators, beach guards, caretakers, and visitors have made the goal of clean beach water quality a success once again. Thank you, everyone!







2 Comments

Welcome to Norene's Environmental Thriller Blog

1/7/2012

3 Comments

 

Bacteria at Our Beaches


Why does Dr. Kate Connors worry about beach water quality in Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam? First of all, she is the mother of a precocious three-year-old daughter and she loves her dearly. Which parent among us wouldn't pay attention to our child's surroundings, especially in new places like on vacation at the beach? Our first concern would be strangers, followed by activity safety, which includes monitoring how close our child gets to the water, or how far into the water our child goes, or how deep of water our child swims in. Then we think of sharks! (Sorry. But that topic does lurk in the back of most parents' minds, whether they care to admit it or not.) More realistically, in terms of probability of contact, we scan the water's surface for the bobbling, rounded shape of jellyfish. But how many of us also see this standard beach scene through the microscopic and macroscopic eyes of a scientist? 

Kate Connors is a scientist, a medical researcher studying the effects of bacteria on the human body. Specifically, she studies Bacillus nocturne, a normally passive, estuary bacteria that floats harmlessly in rivers, bays and oceans. Why does she study this bacteria? Because the organization that hired her, the Institute for Public Policy and Safety, knows that someone has genetically altered Bacillus nocturne. Kate sees danger where we see children laughing and tumbling in the surf. 

Is there a problem with our beach water quality in the United States? Yes, in some places. A few years ago, I found a sign posted by DNREC, Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, at an entrance to an inland bay beach. It read:

 “The waters of the Inland Bays may contain organisms that could be harmful to your health. Swimming could result in an increased risk of rashes, infections or gastrointestinal distress, especially during and after rainfall. For your health and safety, please swim at beaches with lifeguards where the water quality is tested weekly. For information on beach water quality or to report illnesses resulting from contact with these waters, please call 1-800-922-WAVE or visit www.dnrec.state.de.us.” 

Have you seen water quality warning signs near any of the beaches you've visited? What did they say? 


3 Comments

Welcome to Norene's Environmental Thriller Blog

12/30/2011

1 Comment

 

Beach and Bay Water Quality Reports  

Dr. Kate Connors, the main character in Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam, always checks the beach water quality before she allows her three-year-old daughter to play in the water. In my last post, I described how the state of Delaware reports its beach and bay water quality testing results to its tourists and local residents. Can you share with us where your state posts its recreational water quality test results?  

In New Jersey the Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program, CCMP, is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  It provides an explanation of its program and the Monday water quality testing results for New Jersey's beaches at http://www.nj.gov/dep/beaches/monitoring_results.htm:
 
Beach Water Quality Monitoring Results

Each week during the summer season, water samples are collected at 175 ocean and 43 bay monitoring stations along the coast of New Jersey. Samples are analyzed for the presence of Enterococci, a type of bacteria found in animal and human waste. The State Sanitary Code requires that the concentration of bacteria not exceed 104 Enterococci /100 mL of sample. An exceedance of this concentration may be harmful to human health (see our Health Risk Information section). When a sample exceeds the State standard, additional sampling is conducted and continues each day until the sample result is below 104 Enterococci/100 mL. If two consecutive samples exceed the standard, the bathing beach closes until sample results are below the standard. In addition to bacteria monitoring, regional health or enforcement agencies may close beaches at any time at their discretion to protect public health and safety.To view water quality results use the links below to navigate to each county.  

Cape May County 
Ocean County
Atlantic County
Monmouth County
Historical Beach Water Quality Monitoring Results
Beach Water Quality Monitoring Trends


1 Comment

Welcome to Norene Moskalski's Environmental Thriller Blog:

12/30/2011

1 Comment

 
Beach and Bay Water Quality Reports

In my new novel, Dr. Kate Connors always checks the beach water quality reports before she allows her three-year-old daughter Crystal to play in the water. How many of us actually know where those water quality reports are posted and which beaches are most likely to have contaminated water? In Nocturne, Opus 1: Sea Foam, characters participate in a fact-based political debate about which beaches along the United States' seacoast have passed water quality tests, which are the worst offenders, and how quickly  tourists and local residents are notified of a problem.   

Where are the water quality reports posted in your state for bodies of water where children and adults play, swim, kayak, sail, or participate in other activities? 

In Delaware the marine beachwater monitoring is done by DNREC, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Posted on their website http://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/RecWater/ are maps citing water quality at state beaches and the following information:
 
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Recreational Water Program protects the health of swimmers in a number of ways. 
  • Shoreline surveys are conducted adjacent to guarded recreational beaches to identify all actual and potential sources of pollution.
  • Water samples are collected at least weekly at all guarded beaches during the swimming season (mid May through Labor Day).
  • Water samples are analyzed to determine the levels of Enterococci bacteria in recreational waters. Enterococcus is one of several indicator organisms that signal the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 
  • Signs have been posted at popular public access points around Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay to warn potential swimmers of the risks associated with swimming in poor quality waters.
  • For your health and safety, the Department recommends swimming only at guarded beaches where water samples are collected.
  • There is a permanent caution regarding swimming in the Inland Bays. The Inland Bays suffer from nutrient pollution, coming from failing septic systems, fertilizers and other sources. Water is slow to flush out of these bay, Indian River Bay, Rehoboth Bay and Little Assawoman Bay, so pollutants linger.
For current information about swimming advisories, please click on any of the beaches on the adjacent, or call our toll-free, 24-hour "Beach Hotline" at 1-800-922-WAVE.

Want Beach Monitoring Advisories hot off the press? Join the Beach Monitoring list from DNREC Online Email Lists.





1 Comment
    Picture

    Author

    Dr. Norene Moskalski can often be found walking the beaches of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, collecting sea glass, weathered minerals, unusual shells, and artifacts from colonial shipwrecks. A naturalist and environmentalist by nature, and a medical diagnostician by avocation, she has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and has held administrative and teaching positions at Penn State University and Temple University. She has spent most of her life preparing administrators and teachers to lead and teach ethically with love and respect for everyone. The settings for her novels are authentic vignettes from university campuses and places around the world she has visited. Each novel presents a variation on a theme, using literary techniques and musical innuendos to move the action forward. Her plots revolve around the unexpected: What if the most beautiful things in the world are the most dangerous?

    SPECIAL SALE PRICE:  $2.99 KINDLE, NOOK, 
    AND KOBO
    Picture
    BUY NOW




    Archives

    March 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    Categories

    All
    1 + 1 = 3
    1962
    2014
    27th Annual Delaware Coastal Clean-up
    Abandoned Cats
    Activist
    And Environment
    A New Beginning
    Antibiotics
    Australia
    Bacteria
    Bay
    Bay Glass
    Beach
    Beachcomb
    Beachcombing
    Beaches
    Beach Grass
    Beach Water Quality
    Big Stone Beach
    Bird Watching
    Boating
    Book Signing
    Bowers Beach
    Cacti
    Charter Fishing Boats
    Citizen Scientists
    Coast
    Coastal Change
    Coastal Flooding
    Coast Day 2013
    College Of Earth
    College Park; And The Nature Conservancy.
    Companion Animals
    Crabbing
    Croakers
    Crowdsourced Data
    De
    Delaware
    Delaware Atlantic Seacoast
    Delaware Bay
    Delaware Legislators
    Dnrec
    Dnrec Beach Water Testing
    Dover
    Dunes
    Dunes Grass Planting
    Earth Day 2013
    Ecologist
    Ecology
    Environmental Movement
    Estuary
    Feral Cats
    Fishing
    Fishing Piers
    Flocks
    Flora And Fauna
    Fracking
    Genre
    Global Warming
    Green
    Happy New Year
    Healers
    Honey
    Horseshoe Crabs
    Hurricanes
    Hurricane Sandy
    ICoast
    I Love To Write Day
    Innovation
    John Riddle
    Kitts Hummock
    Kitts Hummock Beach
    Legislators
    Lewes
    Lewes Beach
    Lewes Historical Society
    Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
    Lost Cats
    Love
    Mahon Beach
    Map
    Marsh Birds
    Maryland
    Medicine
    Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
    Migratory Birdss
    Minerals
    Misty & Snowy
    Mud Flats
    Nasa
    National Recreational Water Quality Reports
    Native Plants
    Nature
    Noaa
    Nocturne
    Nor'easters
    Norene Moskalski
    Ocean
    Ocean Conservancy
    Oceans Day
    Oil Companies
    Opus 1: Sea Foam
    Partnership For The Delaware Estuary
    Peace
    Pennsylvania
    Persian Cats
    Pesticides
    Photographs
    Photography
    Physicians
    Pickering Beach
    Prime Hook Beach
    Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
    Read
    Rehoboth
    Rehoboth Bay
    Rehoboth Beach
    Relax
    Resort
    Rest
    Robert A Nagle
    Rock Collecting
    Rockhounding
    Roosevelt Beach
    Sand Replenishment
    Sea Foam
    Sea Glass
    Shore
    Shore Birds
    Silent Spring
    Silver Spring
    S. Laughter Beach
    South Bowers Beach
    Springdale
    Storms
    Stray Cats
    Superflocks
    Surf
    Surfriderfoundation
    Surfriders' Foundation
    Surges
    Swimming
    Synergy
    Ted Harvey
    Testing The Waters
    TheFussyLibrarian.com
    The Nature Conservancy
    Top Water Quality Beaches
    University Of Delaware
    University Of Delaware; NASA'S Goddard Space Flight Center--Greenbelt Campus
    USGS
    Video
    Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research Program; University Of Maryland
    Volunteer
    Wallops Flight Facility And The Goddard Institute Of Space Science; US Fish And Wildlife Service; US Geologic Survey; Chincoteague Bay Field Station Of The Marine Science Consortium; College Of William And Mary; Virginia Institute Of Marine Science; Unive
    Water
    Wilmington
    Woodland Beach
    World Earth Day
    World Water Day
    Yucca Plants
    Zebra Blue Butterrfly

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn