Real-time information now available for Indiana beach-goers
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and IN.gov
strive to enhance services and increase the public’s access to useful
information through new technology. A mobile alert system to notify
beach-goers of beach conditions and closings due to E. coli, a
bacteria which can make water unhealthy for swimming and other
recreational activities, is in place for summer.
Indiana BeachesAlert monitors beach conditions and alerts at
public and private beaches in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Kosciusko
counties. The service supplements the existing online BeachGuard System,
which compiles beaches’ water quality data from mid-May through
mid-September. The alert system prevents beach enthusiasts from
discovering current advisories or closings after reaching their beach
destination.
With the Indiana BeachesAlert mobile website, beach-goers can
obtain real-time information throughout the beach season. The mobile
website and subscription services interact with mobile phones for
updates while on the go. This great tool can be accessed on a mobile
device at www.IN.gov/beachesalert.
“I’m excited that we are able to enhance our services and the public’s
access to useful information through new technology,” said IDEM
Commissioner Thomas Easterly. “Indiana BeachesAlert gives
Hoosiers and out of state visitors access to reliable and up-to-date
water quality information so they can more fully enjoy Indiana’s
beautiful beaches.”
E. coli is a type of bacteria found in human and animal
waste. During rainfalls, snow melts, or other types of precipitation, E.
coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground
water putting swimmers at risk. Swimming-related illnesses are typically
minor, including ear, eye, nose and throat infections while the most
common form of illness suffered after swimming in sewage tainted waters
is gastroenteritis. Those most vulnerable to illness from poor water
quality are children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune
systems.
About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements
federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through
compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the
agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting
Hoosiers and our environment.
About IN.gov
IN.gov is the official Web site of the state of Indiana (www.IN.gov)
and a service of the Indiana Office of Technology. The IN.gov program is
a collaborative effort between the state of Indiana and Indiana
Interactive. Indiana Interactive is the official eGovernment solutions
provider for the state of Indiana. The company builds and manages
interactive government services on behalf of the state and is a wholly
owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (NASDAQ: EGOV).
About NIC
NIC (NASDAQ:EGOV) is the nation's leading provider of government
websites, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. The
company's innovative eGovernment services help reduce costs and increase
efficiencies for government agencies, citizens, and businesses across
the country. The NIC family of companies provides eGovernment solutions
for more than 3,500 federal, state, and local agencies in the United
States. Additional information is available at www.egov.com.
