If you're planning a summer getaway, it'd be well worth your while to check out NRDC's soon forthcoming Testing the Waters report. The TTW is an annual survey conducted by NRDC specialists to document water quality--along with the credibility of public notifications of health concerns--at America's top beach destinations. What sort of info can you expect to find? Well last year's report, somewhat frighteningly, found that 200 designated swimming beaches were in violation of public health standards at least 25 percent of prime beachgoing days. The report is padded out with a list of Beach Buddies and Beach Bums -note: PDF link]--cataloging the best and worst American beaches.

While the 2007 report is still a few days away, you can check out last year's report anytime.