EPA Provides $260,000 to Alabama to Monitor Water Quality at Beaches and Protect Swimmers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 21, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $260,000 in grant funding that Alabama will use to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of bacteria make swimming unsafe.   

"From the Atlantic to the Gulf, the Southeast spans 2,035 miles of coastline and includes some of the nation's most visited beaches," said Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber. "This grant will deliver timely, clear information on coastal recreation water quality, beach conditions, and public safety-protecting public health while supporting tourism and economic growth."

This funding is authorized by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act and advances EPA's goals of enhancing cooperative federalism and ensuring that every American has access to clean and safe water, two key pillars of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative.  

Learn more about BEACH Act grants.  

Before heading to the beach, check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information.  

Background

To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal or Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing the monitoring, assessment, and notification components of their beach program. Each grantee receives an amount based on the length of the beach season, the number of miles of shoreline and the populations of coastal counties.  

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