(Photo: WBOC)REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Delmarva's beaches received high marks on a new report detailing the quality of swimming water.
In Delaware, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach each received five-star rankings from the Natural Resources Defense Council. Both coastal communities were two of just four beaches nationwide to be named to the "superstar" list for a history of good water quality.
In Maryland, Ocean City and Assateague each received four stars.
The group released its 21st annual report on the nation's cleanest and dirtiest beaches Wednesday.
Overall, Delaware ranked fifth in water quality, Virginia ranked 12th and Maryland finished at 16th place.
Scientists at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control collect water samples at least once a week, if not more, to test for bacteria.
The report noted Delmarva's beaches are amongst the cleanest in the nation. However, authors also expressed concern regarding pollution and storm water runoff.
Nationwide, the number of beach closings last year reached its second highest level in the report's history, in part because of the gulf oil spill.
