Overview

• An Environment America report found that 1,930 of 3,187 beaches (61%) recorded at least one day in 2024 where fecal contamination exceeded EPA safety thresholds.
• One in seven beaches showed potentially unsafe contamination on at least 25% of testing days, underscoring recurring pollution hotspots.
• Regional contamination rates ranged from 84% of Gulf Coast beaches to just 10% in Alaska and Hawaii, revealing stark geographic disparities.
• Fecal contamination triggered over 7,563 health advisories and closures last year, impacting one out of every 15 swimming days.
• EPA estimates $630 billion is needed over the next two decades to upgrade wastewater and stormwater systems; the White House’s 2026 budget calls for deep cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.