CA Beach Pollution Is On The Rise — See What Grade Your Local Beach Received

CALIFORNIA — Thanks to heavy rainfall and millions of gallons of spilled sewage, beach pollution grades slipped across California this year, according to Heal the Bay’s 33rd Annual Beach Report Card.

The nonprofit assigns letter grades to beaches across California based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution that are reported by local health agencies. It also grades freshwater recreation sites as part of the River Report Card.

Last year, 50 ocean beaches across the state appeared on Heal the Bay's "Honor Roll" of high scorers. Only two appeared on the list this year: Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County and the Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego.

Pollution tends to be highest following rainstorms, reflected by the "wet" grades, while dry-weather test results were generally "very good" across the state, Heal the Bay said.

Some of the state's most iconic beaches were among the dirtiest. The beach at the Santa Monica Pier earned "F" grades in both categories, tying for the dishonor of most-polluted beach in California.

Here's the full list of the state's most polluted beaches:

1. Playa Blanca, Tijuana Area
1-2. Santa Monica Pier, LA County (tied)
3. Linda Mar Beach, San Mateo County
4. Marlin Park, San Mateo County
5. Erckenbrack Park, San Mateo County
6. Tijuana River Mouth, San Diego County
7. Pillar Point Harbor, San Mateo County
8. Marina del Rey Mother's Beach, LA County
9. Poche Beach, Orange County
10. Gull Park, San Mateo County

Heal the Bay says people who come in contact with water graded C or lower are at a greater risk of contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections and rashes.

“As climate change continues to bring weather whiplash, our water woes will swing from scarcity to pollution. This year, record precipitation produced major impacts on water quality across Coastal California,” said Heal the Bay CEO Tracy Quinn. “Now more than ever, we must prioritize multi-benefit projects to manage stormwater as both a water quality and supply solution, all while ensuring that the public is kept informed of risks to public health.”

You can view an interactive map of beach grades here.