New York City

Water Quality & Surfing Post-Sandy

Written by surfridernyc | Nov 13, 2012 10:23:47 AM
Hi guys — we are getting inquiries about surfing and water quality in the immediate area. See these links for some details:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bmw/sandy.html

 http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/press_releases/12-86pr.shtml

http://www.surfrider.org/jims-blog/entry/sandy-and-dirty-water-in-ny

It’s your own call, just keep in mind there are unknowns about bacteria — and NO ONE can smell, see, or “use common sense” detecting things like hepatitis or e-coli.

By reports we’re getting, sewage plants are getting back on their feet, and NJ opened shellfish beds to harvesting again. Interesting.

Folks are getting back in the water and catching waves. Particularly after storm, the need to blow off steam and recharge your soul by scoring surf is undeniable. And no question, anyone from the west coast will tell you that unknown health risks related to water quality are no surprise. In short, it’s your call. We are going to keep pushing to get RELIABLE and IMPARTIAL intelligence on water quality so we can surf without worrying about our health. To us, the jury is still out.

PS: Plants in Suffolk County fared much better in the storm.