National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational (NEEAR) Water Study

EPA's NEEAR Water Study investigates human health effects associated with recreational water use.

Mission & Objectives

The National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational (NEEAR) Water Study is a collaborative research study between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that is investigating human health effects associated with recreational water use. This study will help us better understand the link between water pollution, swimming at the beach, and peoples' health. A main goal of the NEEAR study is to better understand how new ways of measuring water pollution can be effectively used to protect swimmers' health.

Water Quality Assessment

As part of this study water quality is being assessed by EPA researchers using new monitoring protocols and the currently approved membrane filter method for certain bacteria designated (EPA Method 1600, mEI Agar). To obtain the most accurate measurements the Agency will be using state of the art equipment and techniques to help assess in real-time the water quality at our Nations recreational waters.

Study Objectives

The objectives of the NEEAR Water Study are to:

• Evaluate the water quality at two to three beaches per year for three years concurrently with a health study.
• Obtain and evaluate a new set of health and water quality data for the new rapid, state-of-the-art methods.
• Develop new federal guidelines and limits for water quality indicators of fecal contamination so that beach managers and public health officials can alert the public about the potential health hazards before exposure to unsafe water can occur.