The National Environment Agency (NEA) will be providing data on the water quality of seven popular recreational beaches per week, in addition to the annual survey.

This will allow beachgoers to make an informed decision when visiting, and take certain precautions if necessary.

NEA will inform beachgoers of the level of enterococcus bacteria (EC) in the waters, which is what the World Health Organization uses to measure the water quality of recreational beaches.

Here are the bands:

Band 1 (Normal) – EC Levels ≤ 200

Band 2 (Elevated) – EC Levels 200 < EC ≤ 500

Band 3 High) – EC Levels > 500 OR two consecutive weeks of 200 < EC ≤ 500

And here's what you should do according to the information:

NEA stated that the public should not worry too much if the water goes into the Band 2 or 3 range, as beach water is continually flushed by currents and EC levels can change.

However, if a beach gets a Band 3 rating, NEA will closely monitor the water quality and carry out mitigation measures if necessary.

It has worked with NParks and Sentosa Development Corporation to put up notices on beaches and inform them about the water quality through NEA's website.

It added:

"Beachgoers are advised to check the BSWI on NEA’s website at https://www.nea.gov.sg/BSWI, or through the myENV app, before visiting the beaches.

As a general guide, beachgoers are also advised to avoid entering the beach water immediately after heavy rainfall, and to refrain from water activities when they have open sores, skin infections, or when they feel unwell."

Case of skin irritation

In Aug. 2020, four people reported having developed skin irritations caused by staph bacteria infections after visiting beaches at Sentosa.

While the WHO and NEA do check for EC bacteria, they do not check for staph bacteria levels, which is attributed to human activity.

NEA advised beachgoers to practise good personal hygiene and to take a shower after coming into contact with marine water.

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Top image from Sentosa Facebook page.