SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — A recent “Beach Report Card” released on Wednesday reveals that California’s unprecedented winter rainfall has led to significant runoff issues, resulting in dirtier water along the coast. Heal the Bay, the environmental nonprofit responsible for the report, noted that only two beaches in the state made it to the 2022-2023 Honor Roll: Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco, and Point Loma in San Diego County. This is a stark contrast to the last report, where 51 beaches achieved Honor Roll status.
The organization evaluates over 500 beaches, assigning them letter grades ranging from A-plus to F based on water quality. The heavy rainfall this winter caused numerous rain-induced sewage spills and flushed pollutants, including harmful bacteria, into the ocean via storm drains.
“This year, record precipitation has severely impacted water quality across Coastal California,” stated Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay. “Now, more than ever, we need to prioritize multi-benefit projects for managing stormwater, addressing both water quality and supply, while keeping the public informed about potential health risks.”
Water Quality Ratings and Pollution Concerns
Despite the alarming findings, the report indicated that approximately 95% of the state’s beaches received A or B grades for water quality during the peak beach-going months of April to October 2022. However, a “Beach Bummer” list was compiled, highlighting chronic pollution issues at specific locations that could pose health risks to swimmers and surfers. Among the ten dirtiest beaches, four are located in San Mateo County: Linda Mar, Marlin Park, Erckenbrack Park, and Pillar Point.
The most polluted beaches on the list included a tie between Playa Blanca near Tijuana, bordering San Diego County, and the area surrounding the Santa Monica Pier.
This report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges California faces regarding water quality, emphasizing the need for effective stormwater management and public awareness of potential health hazards.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2023-06-14/beach-report-card-finds-californias-wet-winter-means-dirtier-water-at-the-coast