The document discusses NRDC's Testing the Waters 2012 report, which rates beaches as 5 star, repeat offender, or problem beaches. It identifies Bolsa Chica State Beach, Wallis Sands Beach, and South Padre Island Beach as 5 star beaches for their clean water. Doheny State Beach, Rutherford Beach, and Ontario Beach are identified as repeat offenders for having consistently contaminated water. Stormwater runoff is cited as the primary cause of beach closings and advisories. The document advocates for green infrastructure and urging the EPA to strengthen water quality standards to better protect beachgoers.

1. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
FIVE STAR BEACHES
Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, California
A surfer walks along water’s edge at sunset, at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County California. Bolsa Chica was awarded “5 star”
status by NRDC’s Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: Will Hastings Flickr)

2. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
FIVE STAR BEACHES
Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, California
Family enjoying a day at Wallis Sands Beach in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. This beach was awarded “5 star” status by NRDC’s
Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: John Riordan Flickr)

3. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
FIVE STAR BEACHES
South Padre Island Beach in Cameron County, Texas
An early sunrise at South Padre Island Beach in Cameron County, Texas. South Padre Island Beach was awarded “5 star” status by
NRDC’s Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: Ed Yourdon Flickr)

4. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
REPEAT OFFENDER BEACHES
Doheny State Beach in Orange County, California
Warning of health dangers when swimming at Doheny State Beach, in Orange County, California. Doheny Beach was listed as a “Repeat
Offender” by NRDC’s Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: Hannah Arista/Docuvitae)

5. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
REPEAT OFFENDER BEACHES
Rutherford Beach in Cameron County, Louisiana
Rutherford Beach in Cameron County, Louisiana, was listed as a “Repeat
Offender” in NRDC’s Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: Sarah
pinstriped_bindi Flickr)

6. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
REPEAT OFFENDER BEACHES
Ontario Beach in Monroe County, New York
Driftwood and clouds looming at Ontario Beach in Monroe County, New York. Ontario Beach was listed as a “Repeat Offender” in NRDC’s
Testing the Waters beach report. (Photo: S Karr Flickr)

7. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
PROBLEM: STORMWATER RUNOFF PULLUTES OUR BEACHES
Doheny State Beach in Orange County, California
Drains near Doheny State Beach, CA, which made NRDC’s “Repeat Offender” list for consistently contaminated water. Stormwater runoff is
the primary known cause of beach closings and swimming advisories nationwide. EPA estimates that more than 10 trillion gallons of
untreated stormwater make their way into our surface waters each year. (Photo: Hannah Arista/Docuvitae)

8. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
SOLUTION: BOOST GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
The best way to keep pollution out of America’s beachwater is to prevent it from the start by
investing in smarter, greener infrastructure on land, like porous pavement, green roofs, parks,
roadside plantings and rain barrels. Cities nationwide are embracing innovative stormwater
management solutions. (Photo: Natural Resources Defense Council)

9. NRDC Testing the Waters 2012
SOLUTION: URGE EPA FOR STRONGER WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
This summer provides a crucial turning point for new proposed beach water quality standards that will be made final this fall. We can urge EPA
to strengthen the criteria so that it puts people first.