Le Lézard
Classified in: Environment
Subjects: NPT, SVY, ENI

Heal the Bay releases annual bacterial-pollution grades and Top 10 Beach Bummer list


SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- California beach water quality sagged slightly in 2018-19, driven in large part by increased rainfall, according to the 29th annual Beach Report Card that the environmental-advocacy nonprofit released today. Heal the Bay assigned A-to-F letter grades for California beaches in the 2018-19 report, based on levels of weekly bacterial pollution in the ocean measured by county health agencies.

Only 54% of the beaches received an A or B grade during wet weather, which is an eight percentage point decrease from the state's five-year average.

While scientists remain deeply concerned about water quality issues, there is some good news for beachgoers. 94% of the 500 California beaches monitored by Heal the Bay received an A or B grade for the busy summer season. During the dry winter season, 87% of beaches received an A or B grade.

Overall, 33 California beaches made it on Heal the Bay's coveted Honor Roll this year, which is lower than last year (37) likely due to higher than average rainfall. To make it on the Honor Roll the beach must be monitored year-round and score perfect A+ grades each week in all seasons and weather conditions.

10 California beaches made it on Heal the Bay's dreaded Beach Bummer List, which ranks the most polluted beaches in the state based on levels of harmful bacteria.

  1. San Clemente Pier, Orange County
  2. Clam Beach County Park, Humboldt County 
  3. Linda Mar Beach, San Mateo County 
  4. Long Beach City Beach at Coronado Ave., Los Angeles County 
  5. Cowell Beach, West of The Wharf, Santa Cruz County 
  6. Monarch Beach at Salt Creek, Orange County 
  7. Marina Del Rey Mother's Beach, Los Angeles County 
  8. Cabrillo Beach, Harborside, Los Angeles County 
  9. Keller Beach, South Beach, Contra Costa County 
  10. Aquatic Park, San Mateo County 

Polluted ocean waters pose a significant health risk to millions of ocean users in California, who can contract a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness from one swim or surf session. Coming into contact with beach water that has a grade of C or lower greatly increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and rashes.

"A day at the beach shouldn't make anyone sick," said Dr. Shelley Luce, president and CEO of Heal the Bay. "We are glad to see water quality improving at some beaches, but there are no guarantees. Anyone headed to the shoreline should visit Heal the Bay's new Beach Report Card with NowCast website and app to get the latest grades and predictions."

A PDF version of the 2018-19 annual Beach Report Card is available at https://healthebay.org/beach-report-card-nowcast-2019/

Contacts 
Talia Walsh, Heal the Bay, (310) 944-5615, [email protected]
Luke Ginger, Heal the Bay, (773) 368-7127, [email protected]

SOURCE Heal the Bay


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