I have been interested in some of the US articles highlighted on this users group site. There are many similarities with our situation in the UK.
For anyone interested........, here in Scotland, we have been trialing predictive water quality signage for beach users (electronic variable text message boards) at certain statutory European Bathing Waters Directive beaches during 2003 and 2004 summer seasons.
The project has been regarded as very successful, with daily forecasts being either correct or protective on 98% of days.
The Scottish Environment minister has just announced that this scheme shall be continued over the next 3 years and will be provided by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). We have also tested additional public information systems and market tested public attitudes.
For further information see downloadable reports on our websites:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/15561/15068
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/bathingwaters/signage/index.asp
Or myself by email.
Kind regards,
Calum
Dr Calum D. McPhail
Environmental Quality Unit Manager
SEPA South West Area, 5 Redwood Cres., Peel Park, East Kilbride, G74 5PP, Scotland , UK..
email: calum.mcphail@sepa.org.uk