As Memorial Day weekend nears, Southern Californians may be drawn to the beaches by sunny weather, but researchers caution against unsanitary conditions at some locations. Heal the Bay, an environmental nonprofit, has ranked the area around the Santa Monica Pier among California’s dirtiest beaches for the fifth consecutive year.
The annual Beach Report Card assesses fecal pollution levels from Baja California to Washington state. Researchers focus on fecal pollution due to health risks such as rashes, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Tracy Quinn, Heal the Bay Chief Executive, emphasized the public health implications, stating, “No one should get sick from a weekend in our waters.”
Among 490 surveyed beaches, the top 10 dirtiest include locations in San Mateo, San Diego, and Humboldt Counties. Despite infrastructure upgrades in Santa Monica, such as stormwater capture systems and bird-deterring netting, pollution persists at the pier.
“Persistent problems highlight the need for sustained investment and maintenance to improve environmental health,” the report notes.
Santa Monica officials have invested millions in water quality improvement, focusing on the 100-yard stretch around the pier. Shannon Parry, Chief Sustainability Officer, pointed out that apart from the pier, nearby coastal beaches received “A” grades for cleanliness. Efforts continue to identify pollution sources.
Heal the Bay has partnered with Santa Monica to form a task force. This group, including government agencies, scientists, and community members, analyzes bacteria data from the past 20 years. Their goal is to understand trends and reasons for contamination.
Bacteria levels have reportedly increased since 2020, reaching 20 times the safety thresholds. This suggests a structural or environmental change contributing to pollution.
Collaborating with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Heal the Bay will perform microbial source testing. This DNA-based approach will help identify specific pollution sources, such as humans or animals.
Researchers are also examining how the pier’s breakwater affects water circulation. Last year, a nontoxic dye test was conducted to gather data on this matter.
For beach-goers, swimming 100 yards north or south of the pier is recommended for cleaner water.
The report lists the dirtiest beaches, including Playa Blanca in Tijuana, Mexico, and several in San Mateo County, California.
- Playa Blanca (Tijuana, Mexico)
- Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles County)
- Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County)
- Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek (San Mateo County)
- Pillars Point Harbor, Capistrano Road Beach (San Mateo County)
On the positive side, 21 beaches earned a spot on the “honor roll” for cleanliness, though the number declined from last year, possibly due to unusual rainfall.
Most “honor roll” beaches are in Southern California, with fewer monitoring efforts in Northern and Central areas.
Some top “honor roll” beaches include Bluff Cove in Los Angeles County and several in Orange County.
- Bluff Cove, Palos Verdes Estates (Los Angeles County)
- Laguna Beach, 1,000 Steps Beach at 9th Street (Orange County)
- Sunset Beach at Broadway (Orange County)
- Cardiff State Beach, Seaside State Park (San Diego County)
Cancer Death Rates Decline in the U.S., But Disparities Remain 
Rising Heat Poses Threat Across U.S., Authorities Warn 
Controversy Surrounds Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation 
COVID-19 Vaccine Study Highlights Effectiveness Amid Controversy 
Life Inside Biocontainment and Updates on Covid-19 Vaccine Policies 
Europe Endures Intense Heat Wave with France Implementing Public Safety Measures