0
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to grants for beach monitoring, and for other purposes.
2/12/2025, 9:01 AM
Summary of Bill HR 583
The bill aims to address the issue of water pollution at beaches by providing funding for monitoring programs that will test water quality and ensure that beaches are safe for public use. By implementing these monitoring programs, the bill seeks to prevent waterborne illnesses and other health risks associated with contaminated water.
In addition to funding beach monitoring programs, the bill also includes provisions for improving public awareness of water quality issues at beaches. This includes requirements for public notification of water quality test results and the establishment of a national database for tracking beach water quality. Overall, the Beach Monitoring Grant Act is a bipartisan effort to protect public health and improve water quality at beaches throughout the United States. By providing funding for monitoring programs and increasing public awareness of water quality issues, this bill aims to ensure that Americans can safely enjoy their time at the beach without risking their health.
Congressional Summary of HR 583
Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2025 or the BEACH Act of 2025
This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and expands an existing program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that awards grants to states and local governments to (1) monitor the water quality of coastal recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access that are used by the public; and (2) notify the public, local governments, and the EPA when the water is not safe for recreational activities.
Specifically, the bill expands the program to allow the EPA to award grants for identifying sources of contamination (i.e., pathogens) for coastal recreation waters. It also allows grants to be used for monitoring and notification of contamination in (1) shallow waters upstream from recreational waters, and (2) recreational waters on beaches.





