Ocean Water

A primary concern for beach water quality is the concentration of indicator organisms such as Enterococcus sp. These indicator organisms serve to denote the possibility of fecal contamination and related pathogens. In a US EPA study, Enterococcus bacteria has been found to be the best indicator in marine waters and is recommended by the EPA. In an EPA study, increased concentration of enterococcus bacteria correlated with increased illness of swimmers. This correlation has been used by the EPA to set concentration limits of Enterococcus bacteria in marine waters.

In 1997, a SC DHEC Sponsored Workgroup initiated a study to reevaluate the quality of marine bathing waters in South Carolina. This was the first bacteriological marine bathing water quality study since 1982. Ninety-five percent of the study was performed for the government entities of Horry and Georgetown County. The cities of North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, Horry and Georgetown Counties and Towns of Surfside Beach and Pawleys Island contracted with the Environmental Quality Lab to perform this work.

Since the completion of this successful cooperative venture the EQL has worked with the cities of North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Towns of Surfside Beach and Briarcliffe to weekly monitor the Ocean water quality each summer. The EQL has also monitored the ocean water quality every week since August 5, 1997 for the city of Myrtle Beach to determine the baseline concentration of Enterococcus bacteria in ocean waters.