Water quality at coastal public beaches will be monitored by measuring concentrations of fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria. The state of Louisiana has established 400 colony forming units per 100 ml of water as the limit for exposure to fecal coliforms (geometric mean of 200).

EPA has established the limit of 104 colony forming units per 100 ml of water for enterococci (geometric mean of 35). Under the Beach Act, states are required to monitor enterococci levels, so Louisiana must monitor the levels of this indicator, but the State of Louisiana will also uphold its previous standard for Fecal coliforms. The presence of these organisms could originate from untreated human waste being released into the local environment.

The water bodies you and your family use are never risk free. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health advises people to swim at their own risk. The criterion developed by the US EPA only allows for 19 illnesses per 1000 swimmers. The Louisiana Beach Monitoring Program observes these standards for the indicators already mentioned.

Remember, the potential for illness is always there. However, you can reduce your risk by following these precautions:

• Avoid ingesting or swallowing the water.
• Minimize immersing your head when swimming.
• Avoid swimming with an open cut or sore.
• Shower after swimming.
• Do not swim in areas with warnings against swimming
• Look for trash and other signs of pollution such as oil slicks in the water. These kinds of pollutants may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms that may also have been washed into the water.