South Carolina to Receive Nearly $300,000 for Beach Water Quality Monitoring
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $9.7 million in grant funding aimed at bolstering water quality monitoring at coastal and Great Lakes beaches nationwide. South Carolina is set to receive a significant portion of this allocation, with $294,000 specifically designated for its coastal monitoring efforts.
This funding will empower states, Tribes, and territories to regularly test beach water for elevated levels of illness-causing bacteria. The goal is to promptly notify the public when swimming conditions are unsafe, ensuring the health and safety of beachgoers.
The EPA’s Southeast Region, encompassing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, will collectively share $1.89 million from the total grant. This regional investment underscores the importance of maintaining clean and safe coastal waters, which are vital for both public health and local economies reliant on tourism.
This funding is authorized by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. It aligns with broader federal initiatives to promote cooperative federalism and ensure access to clean and safe water for all Americans, supporting the agency’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative.
The EPA anticipates awarding these grants to eligible recipients once all legal and administrative requirements are met. The allocation breakdown for the Southeast Region includes: Alabama ($261,000), Florida ($499,000), Georgia ($282,000), Mississippi ($257,000), North Carolina ($299,000), and South Carolina ($294,000).
