Beach Program

Beach Program personnel monitor and sample beaches throughout the state from mid-June through Labor Day. About 170 public bathing beaches on lakes, rivers, and impoundments are inspected on a monthly basis, while about 15 coastal and estuarine beaches are inspected on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the swim season. DES Beach Inspectors collect two to three bacteria samples from each beach depending upon the length of the bathing area. Also, DES inspects on-site toilet facilities, the bathing area, and surrounding areas for the presence of potential health threats, and confers with lifeguards and the public to address their concerns. Sponsor: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services