National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational Water

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 two laboratories of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are investigating human health effects and rapid water quality methods associated with recreational water use. This study will provide real-time water quality measurements and 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 determine how new ways of measuring water pollution can be usedeffectively to protect swimmers' health.

Water Quality Assessment

As part of this study, water quality is being assessed by EPA researchers using new rapid, real-time (≤ 2 hours) methods, the new EPA monitoring protocol (See the EMPACT Study.), and the currently approved membrane filter method for enterococci (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 the water quality of our Nations recreational waters in real-time.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (QPCR)

EPA Method 1600

Study Objectives

The objectives of the NEEAR Water Study are to:

• Evaluate the water quality at one or two beaches per year.
• Obtain and evaluate a new set of health and water quality data for the new rapid, state-of-the-art methods.
• Communicate the results to the US EPA OFfice of Water in support of their efforts to develop new state and 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.

Study Results

The NEEAR study's first major publication was released in September 2005. View the abstract or full article:

• Rapidly Measured Indicators of Recreational Water Quality are Predictive of Swimming Associated Gastrointestinal Illness