With the unofficial first day of summer behind us, millions of Virginians are planning trips to the beach. A great first stop is the business and travel site www.virginia.org, which offers tips and packages for family and individual vacations in dozens of places along the hundreds of miles of ocean, bay and riverside beaches.
But with all the rain we've had these past weeks, before dipping your toes or whole body in the water, remember to check out if the water is save even get into.
The Richmond Times Dispatch is informing us that the Virginia Dept. of Health has kicked off its beach monitoring activities. Following the kind of rain that we've had in the region for the past couple of months, it's vital that the state and local health departments monitor the water quality.
Storm run-off from heavy rains can strain the ability of water treatment facilities and the result can be untreated sewage making its way into the rivers, oceans and bays in the state. Check out this story from news radio station WTOP that aired in the middle of the summer 2008 about what polluted water could mean to your fun in the sun.
But it looks like it will be a great year for beach goers, with gas prices down from the stratosphere of 2008 and prices for hotels more affordable than ever. So grab your swimsuit, boogie board and whatever else and visit Virginia's beaches.
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