Watch CBS News

Officials: Water Quality Safe On Md., Del. Coast

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Officials overseeing the shores of Maryland and Delaware say one thing tourists don't need to worry about this season is beach cleanliness on the coast.

Environmental officials from both states regularly test water quality along Delmarva's beaches. In Ocean City, the water is
tested twice weekly. In southern Delaware, the water is tested about once a week.

Bob Mitchell, who leads the effort for Worcestor County, says Ocean City is one of the cleanest beaches on the East Coast.

Last year, bacteria levels never were high enough to warrant closing a coastal beach in Maryland or Delaware.

Delaware environmental official Michael Bott says the only cautionary advisories last year were for excessive rainfall in
inland bay areas. Rainfall can bring runoff pollution from lawns and other areas.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.