Water Pollution Crisis In Southern California: Extent And Impact

Water pollution in Southern California is a pressing issue. The region's large population and associated activities contribute significantly to the pollution of coastal waters through various means, including runoff from urban, agricultural, and storm activities, as well as the discharge of treated wastewater and shipping accidents. The San Gabriel River, for instance, transports contaminants such as lead, copper, zinc, oil, and grease, as well as solid waste, to the coastal area of the Bight at Long Beach and Seal Beach. Natural oil seepage in the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Monica Bay also contributes to marine pollution. Water quality problems are further exacerbated by municipal stormwater, with detergents, oils, and grease washed into the storm sewer. In addition, drinking water sources across California are contaminated with harmful chemicals, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The state's water rights system has also been criticized for its role in perpetuating systemic racism and inequality, with communities of color disproportionately affected by water pollution.

Sources of water pollution

Southern California's water pollution is influenced by a variety of factors, including natural and anthropogenic sources. Here are the key sources of water pollution in the region:

Agricultural and Industrial Activities:

• Pesticides and other agricultural runoff: Agricultural activities contribute to water pollution through the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which can find their way into water bodies via runoff or seepage.
• Industrial discharge: Industrial facilities and manufacturing processes can release pollutants into water sources, including toxic chemicals and waste products.
• Groundwater contamination: Contaminants from industrial and agricultural activities can seep into groundwater, affecting wells and other water sources. PFAS chemicals, for example, have been detected in drinking water wells across California.

Urban and Municipal Sources:

• Municipal storm water runoff: In Southern California, storm water runoff is a significant contributor to water pollution in streams and beaches. Detergents, oils, grease, and other pollutants from urban areas are washed into storm sewers and eventually enter water bodies.
• Wastewater discharge: Treated and untreated wastewater discharge from municipal and commercial facilities can contain pollutants that impact water quality.
• Solid waste and trash: Urban areas generate significant amounts of solid waste, such as plastic bags, styrofoam cups, and other litter, which can make their way into water bodies and contribute to pollution.

Natural Sources:

• Hydrocarbon seepage: Natural oil and gas seepage occurs in the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Monica Bay. This leads to both air and marine pollution, with liquid oil accumulating on the sea surface and forming tar balls that wash up on beaches.
• Offshore well leaks: Leaks from offshore wells can release liquid petroleum into the ocean, contributing to marine pollution.

Other Sources:

• Population density and human activities: The high population of Southern California increases the volume and variety of pollutants entering coastal waters.
• Shipping accidents: Oil spills and other incidents related to maritime activities can also contribute to water pollution in the region.

Stormwater management

One significant source of stormwater pollution in Southern California is urban runoff. During heavy rains, contaminants such as lead, copper, zinc, oil, grease, and solid waste like plastic bags, styrofoam, and cigarette butts are washed into the San Gabriel River and eventually make their way to the coastal waters of the Southern California Bight. This runoff can also carry pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural lands, further increasing the variety and toxicity of pollutants. These contaminants can have detrimental effects on marine life, as they become trapped in sediments on the ocean floor and can be ingested by organisms, potentially working their way up the food web.

To address this issue, Southern California has implemented the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits, issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. These permits require municipalities to establish stormwater control programs aimed at reducing pollution from various sources, including industrial and commercial facilities, construction sites, and municipal activities. The MS4 permits also emphasize public education on stormwater pollution prevention, recognizing the importance of community involvement in tackling this issue.

In addition to regulatory measures, green infrastructure solutions are being promoted as a more environmentally friendly approach to stormwater management. This involves utilizing natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and reuse stormwater on-site, reducing the amount of runoff that enters storm sewers. EPA has encouraged the incorporation of green infrastructure into renewed MS4 permits, recognizing its potential to mitigate pollution and provide additional benefits such as improved water quality and drought relief.

While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in stormwater management in Southern California. More frequent and severe storms, coupled with aging or inadequate sanitation infrastructure, continue to pose challenges. Investing in stormwater capture projects that cleanse, hold, and reuse water is crucial to preventing polluted runoff from reaching the sea and exacerbating water quality issues. Additionally, addressing contamination in drinking water systems, particularly in underserved communities, remains a pressing concern.

Water pollution in disadvantaged communities

Southern California's large population, coupled with the activities necessary to sustain it, means that a significant quantity and variety of pollutants enter its coastal waters. Municipal storm water, agricultural and urban runoff, wastewater discharge, and shipping accidents are all contributors to water pollution in the region.

Disadvantaged communities in Southern California face particular challenges when it comes to water pollution and water supply. These communities, particularly those in Southern Los Angeles County, often lack fair options for a reliable and affordable water supply. When served by public utilities, they may face issues with aging infrastructure and water quality. When supplied by investor-owned utilities, they may receive a reliable water supply but at a higher cost than more affluent communities.

A report by the NRDC and its partners found that drinking water throughout California is contaminated with harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, with this issue being particularly prevalent in already overburdened communities. PFAS are a class of extremely persistent chemicals that accumulate in the environment and living organisms, leading to widespread human exposure and environmental contamination. PFAS have been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, liver disease, decreased fertility, thyroid problems, and changes in hormones.

Out of 248 active public water systems tested in California, 65% had PFAS detected in the drinking water, serving more than 16 million people. Many of these polluted water systems serve cities with large populations, such as Fresno, Corona, and San Diego. California has identified disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately burdened by and vulnerable to multiple sources of pollution through CalEnviroScreen, a CalEPA screening methodology. These communities often face additional issues such as air pollution, high pesticide use, socioeconomic challenges, and contaminated drinking water, which can lead to health complications.

Furthermore, many rural and disadvantaged communities in California rely on small water systems or domestic wells, which struggle to address drinking water contaminants. The lack of testing for PFAS in these communities means that more than 19 million Californians' water has yet to be tested, and the true extent of PFAS pollution in the state is likely greater than current data indicates. California currently only tests for 18 PFAS chemicals, and only three of those have established health advisories. With thousands of chemicals in the PFAS class and hundreds in active commercial use, the scope of the PFAS problem is likely much larger than what is currently understood.

Water pollution regulation and enforcement

Water pollution in Southern California is a complex issue influenced by a range of factors, including agricultural and urban runoff, wastewater discharge, and natural sources such as hydrocarbon seepage. The high population density in the region also contributes to the significant quantity and variety of pollutants entering coastal waters.

The Clean Water Act has played a crucial role in reducing pollution from traditional industrial outfalls in California. However, in recent years, the state has faced challenges in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for its residents, particularly in underserved communities. The EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program that authorises the Regional Water Quality Control Boards in Southern California to regulate municipal storm sewer systems. These permits require municipalities to establish stormwater control programs, address pollution from various sources, and educate the public on stormwater pollution prevention.

To promote better water management, the EPA encourages the use of "green infrastructure" to manage stormwater. This involves systems and practices that mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and reuse stormwater on-site, reducing the amount of runoff that reaches storm sewers. The EPA has conducted audits in Southern California to assess the effectiveness of the MS4 permits and ensure compliance with permit requirements. Enforcement actions have been taken against parties found to be in violation of these requirements.

In addition to the NPDES program, California's Division of Drinking Water has taken steps to address water pollution. In 2019, they issued an order to test public water systems near potential PFAS sources, as PFAS chemicals are known for their toxic and persistent nature. Despite these efforts, California's water rights system has been criticised for its role in perpetuating systemic racism and inequality, particularly towards tribes and communities of colour.

To address these issues, the state must hold polluters accountable and ensure that underserved communities have a voice in water quality regulatory decision-making. This includes passing legislation that requires state and regional water boards to include tribal and environmental justice representatives. By prioritising the reduction of pollution and promoting equitable access to clean water, Southern California can work towards protecting the health and well-being of its diverse population.

Impact of water pollution on human health and the environment

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Southern California, with a range of impacts on both human health and the environment. The high population density in the region, coupled with various human activities, results in a significant amount and variety of pollutants entering coastal waters. These pollutants include agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and oil spills from shipping accidents. The impact of water pollution on human health and the environment is significant and far-reaching.

Impact on Human Health

Water pollution can have detrimental effects on human health, as consuming, entering, or even washing in polluted water can lead to various health issues. Polluted water can become toxic to humans, causing infections and other health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polluted water is water that has become unusable due to changes in its composition. Water pollution is associated with an increased incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases, as well as exposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and algal toxins.

The specific health risks associated with water pollution include gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea, which is a leading cause of child deaths worldwide. Skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer have also been linked to water pollution. In California, drinking water has been found to be contaminated with harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, particularly in disadvantaged communities. PFAS are highly persistent and accumulate in the environment and living organisms, leading to adverse health outcomes such as kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, liver disease, and decreased fertility.

Impact on the Environment

Water pollution also has significant environmental impacts. The San Gabriel River, for example, transports various invisible and visible contaminants, including lead, copper, zinc, oil, grease, and solid pollution, to the coastal area of the Bight at Long Beach and Seal Beach. These contaminants can become trapped within the sediment on the ocean floor and incorporated into the tissues of organisms, eventually entering the ocean food web.

Additionally, natural oil seepage has been observed in the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Monica Bay, contributing to marine pollution. This hydrocarbon seepage forms slicks on the sea surface and tar balls that wash up on beaches. The transportation and storage of oil and its derivatives are subject to leakage, further polluting water resources. Agricultural activities also play a role in water pollution, with nitrates, phosphorus, pesticides, soil sediments, salts, and pathogens contaminating water sources and threatening food safety.

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