By Bob Katzen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is awarding $254,000 in grant funding to Massachusetts to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of bacteria make swimming unsafe.

“New England’s beaches are central to the region’s coastal way of life, sustaining communities and driving local economies,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. “This funding helps protect human health by ensuring beaches are regularly monitored so Americans can enjoy clean, safe water for swimming and recreation.”