A November 26 LA Times article announces that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has updated water quality guidelines for beaches.  The guidelines provide guidance to states in adopting their own beach water quality requirements and standards, including acceptable e. coli bacteria.

The Environmental Protection Agency updated water quality guidelines for the nation’s beaches Monday, moving in response to charges that the federal government has not done enough to protect bathers from polluted water.  …

But federal environmental officials said they hoped the suggested guidance would prompt state leaders to toughen their own oversight of recreational waters where people swim, surf and go boating. California is among the states that may tighten standards.  …

The EPA also recommended a more aggressive testing schedule to monitor water quality at beaches.