This project is designated to perform intensive recreational water quality monitoring of the Taiwan coastal area. Studied beach resorts include Fu-Long beach, Chi-Ting beach and Chi-Jin beach. Main objectives of this project include (1) the investigation of rainfall effects on the beach water quality, (2) the investigation of pollution sources andto propose the best management practices, (3) to estimate run-off flux of rainfalls, and to estimate run-off effects on the beach water quality. Finally, a standard operation procedure (SOP) is proposed for the future beach water sampling activities.To study the effects of rainfalls on the beach water quality, ten major rainfall events are studied. In order to propose a critical timing to close the beach and to investigate the water quality recovery efficiency, each sampling activity requires at least five consecutive days. Parameters investigated include coliform group, enterococci, urbidity, and salinity.Results indicate 50-hour rainfall amount has better correlation with bacteria counts which is proposed as a decision making tool. The beach water quality takes about 3~6 days to recover to normal in Fu-Long beach resort, and only takes about 1~3 day to recover in Chi-Jin beach for a better current circulation. In terms of rainfall effects on the beach water quality, no conclusive result obtained because the collected data is not statistically significant to make conclusion. However, it is conclusive that the beach water quality was significantly affected by the rainfalls. However, it is conclusive that three sampling locations in a beach is not necessary, and suggest to use the center location for future sampling activities. Our preliminary results also indicate that at Fu-Long beach, coliform group will likely exceed beach water quality standard when the salinity drop down to below 10.3 ?, so as enterococci at 13.6?.

beach management,water quality monitor,bio-indicator,pollution prevention