Which State Has the Cleanest Beaches?

By Susan Koomar

A new report rating water quality at the most popular beaches across the United States says head to Delaware or Maryland if you want a clean place to swim on the East Coast.

Here are the beaches that earned a five-star rating from the Natural Resources Defense Council:

• Delaware: Dewey Beach - Dagsworthy
• Delaware: Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Ave.
• Maryland: Ocean City at Beach 6

NRDC rates beaches according to these factors:

• Water testing more than once a week
• Notifying the public as soon as tests reveal bacterial levels violating health standards
• Posting closings and advisories both online and at the beach

You can find ratings for 200 beaches here to see if your favorite is on the list.