Two New Hampshire beaches ranked among the nation’s best in a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental action group based in New York. Only 12 beaches nationwide earned five-star ratings, including Wallis Sands Beach in Rye and Hampton Beach State Park in Hampton.

The report rated 200 popular lake and ocean beaches across the country with a star system based on water quality. The criteria included low pollution violation rates, as well as strong water testing and safety practices.

According to the report, less than 5 percent of water samples taken from either Wallis Sands or Hampton Beach failed to meet national standards in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Water quality is monitored more than once a week at both beaches, and they post advisories and closings online without re-sampling.