Cleveland-The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting public health and the environment by announcing the implementation of Nowcast - a system to provide the public more immediate water quality information for safer swimming - at Edgewater Beach.

The Nowcast System is similar to a weather forecast. However, instead of predicting future weather conditions, the Nowcast System's computer model estimates current water quality conditions within a two-hour timeframe. Specifically, the model predicts whether bacteria levels will be low enough to meet state standards for bathing water. Factors used to make the prediction include water clarity, wave height and recent rain fall. The quick, on-site prediction of water quality allows for instantaneous and timely posting of swimming advisories.

Prior to the adoption of the Nowcast System, predictions were based upon laboratory results from beach water samples collected and tested the previous day. The then-unavoidable 24-hour delay meant that bacteria levels could have increased or decreased substantially during that period.

For example, storm conditions may have caused bacteria levels to rise over the course of 24 hours. With the implementation of the Nowcast System, water quality advisories will be based on today's conditions rather than yesterday's. The result will be a more timely and accurate advisory that is more protective of the public's health.

"Given our commitment to the environment and public health, the Sewer District is thrilled to be leading Nowcast System initiative at Edgewater Beach," stated Sewer District Executive Director Julius Ciaccia. "This tool will help to better serve those that we promised to protect through our clean water work."

Edgewater Beach is the second location in Ohio to implement the Nowcast System. In 2006, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health launched Nowcast at Huntington Beach in Bay Village. The US Geological Survey has been a major partner in developing the methodology to forecast at both locations.

The Nowcast System will be used seven days a week beginning Monday, May 19 through Labor Day, providing up-to-date information by 9:30 a.m. The latest Edgewater Beach water quality information can be found directly on the Sewer District's homepage, or by calling the Nowcast Information Line at 216-432-7301. Water quality advisories will be posted daily at the entrance of Edgewater Beach, as well.

The Nowcast System at Edgewater Beach is supported by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Cleveland Lakefront State Park, Cleveland Department of Public Health, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Ohio Department of Health, and United States Geological Survey.

For additional information, please contact NEORSD Public Information Specialist Jeannie Chapman at 216-881-6600.