Delaware has again captured the top spot when it comes to clean beaches.
The ranking came from the National Resources Defense Council, the international environmental advocacy group that annually studies all beaches in the 30 coastal states.
The group based its latest analysis on more stringent water quality standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For the fourth straight year Delaware’s beaches were tops in the nation.
Dewey’s Swedes Beach was awarded the NRDC’s 5-star rating as a Superstar Beach for having perfect swimming water quality since 2009. This year, the NRDC designated 35 such beaches from among the coastal states.
Also, in its report, “Testing the Waters” in Delaware, the council again recognized DNREC’s Recreational Water Quality Testing Program as one of the comprehensive in the nation.
The ranking was based on the US EPA’s beach action values measurements, which come with a lower threshold than the national allowable bacteria levels used in previous years to trigger beach advisories.
Fifteen of Delaware’s 24 beaches – almost two in three – had zero percent of water samples exceeding the beach action threshold. Statewide in 2013, there were 3 percent of beaches exceeding the threshold. Sampling from 17 selected beaches using the more stringent threshold, Delaware had a 2 percent figure in exceeding the standard.
“I’m proud that Delaware has once again earned the distinction of having some of the best beaches in the country. Under Gov. Markell and (outgoing) DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara’s leadership, clean water and conservation are a priority in Delaware,” said U.S. Tom Carper. “Those efforts, combined with infrastructure projects and beach and dune replenishment, have helped make our coastline a great tourist destination in America and a strong part of Delaware’s economy.”
“Delaware’s beaches remain the best in the country not only because of their natural wonder, but because of the commitment of so many to protect them,” U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said. “In Delaware, we know that protecting our beautiful coastline isn’t just important to summer fun, but to our local economy, too. Keeping our water clean, beaches healthy, and coastal infrastructure secure is a priority at every level, and I’m proud to do my part to help in Congress. Each year my family can’t wait to spend time at Delaware’s beaches, and I hope the NRDC’s announcement will help encourage other families to do the same.”
“As a native Delawarean, it’s great to see our beaches once again rated the best in the U.S. for water quality,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin.
Delaware attracts more than 7 million visitors each year, many of them drawn to the state’s beaches. According to a recent report on how integral beaches are to the state, The Contribution of the Coastal Economy to the State of Delaware, by Delaware Sea Grant College Program at the University of Delaware, the state’s coastal economy has a significant impact on Delaware’s overall economy – generating almost $7 billion annually, including over $700 million in tax revenue and supporting almost 60,000 jobs. That report also found that beach tourism provides more than 10 percent of the state’s total employment, taxes, and business production.
“With the state once again rated No. 1 nationally for beach water quality and one of Dewey’s beaches recognized as a ‘superstar beach’ – and through the continued success of our nationally-recognized beach nourishment projects – Delaware has really emerged as a premier beach destination, ” said new DNREC Secretary David Small. “By continuing to steward our treasured natural resources – our pristine beaches prominent among them – we can protect and enhance this economic and environmental advantage for years to come.”
