Sand bucket? Check.

Sunscreen? Check.

Book and umbrella? Check and check.

Quality of the water? Hold on to your sunscreen.

The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that there’s been no improvement since 2006 in the percentage of beaches that violate health standards. In fact, pollution caused the number of beach closings and advisories to hit their fourth highest level in the last 19 years. Seven percent of the water samples taken last year revealed the presence of human or animal waste.

I sure wouldn’t want to dive right in at those beaches.

The lineup of entities that test water quality and relay (or not) that information to the public is so labyrinthine as to be almost too daunting to wade into. Still, information  about your targeted strip of sand is available so that your vacation doesn’t become a washout.

Testing the Waters 2009  is the council’s yearly survey of beaches frequented by vacationers. The council breaks out its findings state by state, and offers tips on avoiding illness.  Its page on Water Quality at U.S. Beaches tells whether the beach is tested for pollution and what happens if it is found. It’s a great place to start your research.

Still, your own eyes and nose can provide plenty of clues.  How does it smell? Is there crud floating in the water? Are dogs chasing sticks into the surf?  Are you in a city? Is anyone in the water?

You wouldn’t turn your kids loose on the beach while you head toward the snack shack. So why let kids splash around in pollution and bacteria?

Keep an eye on the water.