Meghan Hodges
California's beaches are known for their beauty, but some are more polluted than others. In 2024, Heal the Bay reported that water quality at California beaches had deteriorated during the 2023-24 period, with only 66% of the 501 beaches monitored receiving A or B grades during the dry winter season. The following year, in 2025, Heal the Bay's list of most polluted beaches in California included Santa Monica Pier, which received an F grade, and nearby Santa Monica Beach, which received a B grade. Other California beaches that have been noted for their high levels of pollution include Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica and Imperial Beach in San Diego County. These beaches have been found to have high bacteria levels, with Imperial Beach located near the Mexico border, suffering from cross-border sewage issues and an inadequate treatment plant. While California's beaches face pollution challenges, efforts are being made to address these issues, and some beaches in the state, particularly in Orange County, have consistently achieved high water-quality grades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of beaches in California with high bacterial pollution | 3 |
| Names of the polluted beaches | Imperial Beach in San Diego County, Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, and San Luis Obispo Creek in San Luis Obispo |
| Percentage of samples with high bacteria levels at Imperial Beach | 82% |
| Percentage of samples with high bacteria levels at Linda Mar Beach | 54% or 71% |
| Percentage of samples with high bacteria levels at San Luis Obispo Creek | 35% or 38% |
| Causes of pollution at Imperial Beach | Sewage, industrial pollution, and stormwater through the Tijuana River Valley |
| Causes of pollution at Linda Mar Beach | San Pedro Creek which channels urban runoff into the ocean |
| Causes of pollution at San Luis Obispo Creek | Creek discharging into the ocean at Avila Beach |
| Heal the Bay's grade for California beaches in 2023-2024 | A-to-F |
| Percentage of California beaches with good water quality in 2023-2024 | 90% |
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What You'll Learn
Beach Report Card 2024
This year's Beach Report Card, issued by Heal the Bay, has revealed a dip in water quality at California beaches, with the state facing the dual challenges of worsening climate change and crumbling infrastructure. The report card, now in its 34th year, assigns grades from A to F to over 700 beaches along the Pacific Coast based on bacterial pollution levels.
During the winter reporting period, coastal counties in California experienced 31% more rainfall than the 10-year average. This led to a flush of bacteria and pollutants into the ocean through storm drains, causing numerous sewage spills and negatively impacting water quality. Despite these challenges, it's encouraging to see that nearly 90% of monitored California beaches received A or B grades for water quality during the dry-weather summer months.
However, it's important to note that this figure marks a 6% drop from the previous year's report. Southern California beaches, from Santa Barbara to San Diego counties, received 90% A or B grades in the summer. While 12 California beaches made Heal the Bay's Honor Roll with perfect A+ grades, this is a decrease from the typical 30-50 sites in past reports.
Beaches to be cautious of include Imperial Beach in San Diego County, which has consistently high bacteria levels due to transboundary pollution from the Tijuana River Valley. Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica and the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek in Avila Beach also showed high levels of bacteria in water samples.
To ensure a safe beach experience, it's recommended to check weekly grades on beachreportcard.org, avoid shallow beaches with poor water circulation, and follow local pollution advisories. It's also advisable to avoid swimming at beaches with grades of C or lower to minimize health risks.
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Causes of beach pollution
Beach pollution is a pressing issue that poses a threat to the health of both humans and the environment. While there are many causes of beach pollution, here are some of the key factors contributing to this problem:
Sewage and Wastewater
One significant cause of beach pollution is the discharge of raw sewage and wastewater into coastal waters. Combined sewer systems (CSSs) are designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater. During heavy rainfall, the volume of wastewater can exceed the capacity of the system, resulting in combined sewer overflows (CSOs). These overflows contain a mixture of raw sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater, leading to beach closings and health risks for ocean-goers. Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) are also common, resulting from blockages, line breaks, inadequate design, or maintenance issues.
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is a major contributor to beach pollution. When rain or snowmelt flows over land and impervious surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, and trash. This polluted water then flows into storm drains and eventually makes its way to the ocean, degrading water quality and harming marine life. Climate change, with more frequent and severe storms, exacerbates the problem of stormwater runoff.
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or runoff moving over the ground and accumulating pollutants from various diffuse sources. This type of pollution is often harder to pinpoint but can have a more destructive impact. Examples include pollution from individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites. Atmospheric pollution, caused by wind carrying litter and single-use plastics to the ocean, also falls under this category.
Industrial and Chemical Contamination
Industrial activities can release chemicals, industrial wastewater, and other pollutants into nearby water bodies, impacting beach health. This includes transboundary flows of industrial pollution, as seen in the Tijuana River Valley, affecting Imperial Beach in San Diego County. Additionally, common household items such as dish soaps, dishwasher detergents, and fertilizers contribute to nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms that disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Solid Waste and Littering
Littering and improper disposal of solid waste, such as plastics and other recyclable materials, are significant contributors to beach pollution. Trash, plastic bags, bottles, cans, and other litter can eventually find their way to beaches through stormwater runoff, posing health risks and negatively impacting the aesthetic value of beaches.
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Health risks of swimming in polluted water
Swimming in polluted water can have detrimental effects on your health. Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes the health of millions of people in the United States each year. While some pollutants in the water are easily identifiable and avoidable, such as plastic and garbage, unseen microbial threats continue to pose serious risks to recreational water users.
The most common illness associated with swimming in polluted water is acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI), also known as gastroenteritis. Exposure to sewage-polluted water is the most common source of this illness, and even swallowing a small amount can induce sickness. Symptoms of AGI include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, or fever. Other minor illnesses associated with swimming in polluted water include ear, eye, nose, and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may also be exposed to more serious diseases caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites.
Water pollution can come from various sources, including polluted runoff after rainfall, untreated sewage releases, and high concentrations of farm animals that contaminate local waterways. Oil spills, caused by accidents involving boats, tankers, or pipelines, can also contaminate water with liquid petroleum hydrocarbons, causing harm to both the surrounding ecosystem and humans who swim in the affected waters. Additionally, toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories can dissolve into water, leading to the presence of artificial pollutants such as metals, oils, pesticides, and fertilizers.
To protect yourself from the health risks of swimming in polluted water, it is important to stay informed about water quality and any issued advisories or closures. Checking local council or state department websites, or following their social media updates, can provide information on water quality and safety. It is generally recommended to avoid swimming in coastal waters for at least one day after heavy rain and in rivers and estuaries for three days, as stormwater runoff can contaminate the water with microorganisms and pathogens. Additionally, it is advised to avoid swimming near stormwater drains as they may still be discharging pollutants into the water. By following these precautions, you can help ensure a safer recreational water experience.
In California, the California State Legislation Assembly Bill 411 (AB 411) requires swimming beaches to be monitored for fecal bacteria to protect swimmers from contaminated water. While the existing water quality thresholds are considered reasonably safe, the enforcement of regulations needs strengthening to prevent people from visiting polluted beaches. Better compliance with posting pollution advisories and increasing public awareness about the health effects of beach pollution can lead to a significant decrease in sick leaves and a corresponding increase in productivity.
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Clean-up projects
California's beaches are beloved by many, but they are facing a severe pollution problem. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, and sewage spills are just some of the factors contributing to this issue. To address this, various organizations and volunteers have stepped up to organize and participate in beach clean-up projects.
One notable effort is the work done by Heal the Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving water quality in California. They release an annual Beach Report Card, grading over 700 beaches on their bacterial pollution levels. Heal the Bay also organizes beach cleanups and offers a range of volunteer programs, including their Aquarium, Outreach, Community Science, and Youth programs. They encourage corporate and foundation supporters to get involved in their beach cleanups as well.
The Surfrider Foundation, another nonprofit organization, has also been active in addressing beach pollution. Their Clean Water Report identified 10 beaches across the United States and Puerto Rico with high bacteria levels, including three in California: Imperial Beach in San Diego County, Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, and the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek in Avila Beach. The Foundation's Blue Water Task Force aims to find and fix pollution sources and prioritize local restoration efforts.
California's largest annual volunteer event, the California Coastal Cleanup Day, brings together thousands of people to clean creeks, rivers, lakes, and shorelines. This event is organized by the California Coastal Commission in partnership with NGOs and local government partners. Volunteers can also participate in the Adopt-A-Beach Program, conducting cleanups throughout the year.
Earth Day at the Beach in April and Coastal Clean-up Day in September are also significant public days of service that attract many volunteers. California State Parks offer various opportunities for groups to get involved, including half-day, full-day, and complex projects.
These collective efforts are essential in addressing the pollution issues plaguing California's beaches and ensuring that these precious natural spaces remain safe and enjoyable for all.
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How to stay healthy at the beach
California's beaches are a popular attraction, but pollution is a growing concern for many of these coastal spots. The Surfrider Foundation's Clean Water Report revealed that beaches in San Diego, Pacifica, and San Luis Obispo County had high bacteria levels, failing to meet state health standards. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and sewage spills are significant contributors to this issue.
Check Beach Grades and Water Quality Reports
Before planning a beach visit, check websites like BeachReportCard.org, which provides weekly grades for beaches based on water quality. This can help you make an informed decision about the safety of the beach you plan to visit.
Avoid High-Risk Areas
Some beaches are more susceptible to pollution than others. Avoid shallow, enclosed beaches with poor water circulation, as they may have higher levels of bacteria and pollutants. Be mindful of beaches with nearby urban runoff, sewage issues, or industrial pollution, as these can significantly impact water quality.
Practice Good Hygiene and Sanitation
Bacteria, fertilizers, animal and human waste, and trash in the water or on the sand can cause various illnesses, including stomach problems, neurological disorders, respiratory ailments, pink eye, earaches, meningitis, and hepatitis. Avoid swallowing water while swimming, and if you have open wounds, consider avoiding swimming in polluted waters. Always shower after swimming to remove any potential contaminants from your skin.
Protect Beach Wildlife and Environment
Simple actions like putting trash in the proper receptacles, using boardwalks instead of walking on dunes, and not feeding wildlife can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy beach ecosystem. These actions help reduce erosion, protect wildlife habitats, and minimize harm to plants and animals.
Participate in Beach Clean-up Events
Consider joining or organizing beach clean-up events to remove trash and debris that can pollute the water and harm marine life. Many states have Adopt-A-Beach programs, and local environmental groups or agencies often host clean-up initiatives throughout the year.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy California's beaches while minimizing potential health risks. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and take care of the beach environment to ensure a positive experience for yourself and other beachgoers.
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Frequently asked questions
Heal the Bay issues an annual Beach Report Card that grades over 700 beaches along the Pacific Coast based on levels of bacterial pollution. You can check the latest report to see how your favorite beach fared.
While the level of pollution at any beach can vary from year to year, Imperial Beach in San Diego County has been consistently named one of the most polluted beaches in California and even in the world. Other beaches that have been mentioned in reports as being highly polluted include Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, Lakeshore Park in San Francisco Bay, Poche Beach in Orange County, Topanga Beach in Los Angeles County, Vacation Isle North Cove in San Diego's Mission Bay, and Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey.
California beaches are impacted by pollution from a variety of sources, including urban runoff, sewage spills, stormwater, and trash. Climate change is also worsening the problem by increasing the frequency and severity of storms, which exacerbates urban runoff.
