IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

Since we're on the topic of springtime legislation just now coming up in congressional hearings, there's also the bill by Rep. Brian Bilbray designed to extend water-quality protections at the nation's beaches that were first introduced seven years ago.

Congress passed the BEACH Act in 2000, a law designed to strengthen water quality standards at beaches, improve public access to beach advisories and closings and improve pollution-control efforts.

The BEACH Act has had significant impacts during the past seven years, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report released in October. The number of monitored beaches – those where water is tested for pathogens and harmful bacteria – rose from 1,000 in 1997 to 3,500 in 2004. In addition, 35 coastal and Great Lakes states now have up-to-date water-quality standards, up from 11 states in 2000.

The Carlsbad Republican's bill – the Safe Water Improvement and Modernization Act of 2007, or the SWIM Act – would extend the BEACH Act until 2012 and authorize the EPA to perform a two-year study that uses molecular testing on water quality.

For the past two decades, the EPA has hunted pathogens in the water using culture testing, which requires 72 hours to yield results. This method, which Bilbray considers archaic, sometimes leads to public beaches being closed unnecessarily or for too long, he said.

Molecular testing could produce results in as little as four hours, Bilbray argued during testimony last week before a Senate subcommittee.

“It is my hope that this study will open the door to quicker and more efficient testing times which will better protect the health and well-being of those that want to enjoy our recreational waters,” said Bilbray, a longtime surfer who has made beach protection a priority.

Dana Wilkie is a Washington-based correspondent for Copley News Service and a longtime observer of California politics and social issues. Bethany Leach is an intern for Copley News Service.

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