These Are The Dirtiest Beaches In California: Report

CALIFORNIA — The California coastline is known for its iconic rocky coastlines, expansive beaches and picturesque waters.

But some beaches are so contaminated with bacteria and other pollutants that you might rethink plans to take a dip in the chilly Pacific waters, a newly released report card from environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay shows.

Overall, California beaches fared well. About 90 percent of California beaches received "A" and "B" grades on dry summer and winter days.

Sixty-five percent of California beaches received "A" and "B" grades on wet weather days, which is still better than average, according to Heal the Bay. Rainfall tends to wash pollutants in the ocean, meaning waters tend to be dirtier on wet weather days.

NorCal and SoCal beaches made it onto this year's Beach Bummer list, indicating polluted water and "F" report card grades.

Here's what Heal the Bay had to say about the unlucky beaches that made the 2020 Beach Bummer list:

1. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at San Vicente Creek (San Mateo County): A Beach Bummer newcomer, this beach is affected by San Vicente Creek runoff.
2. Poche Beach at Creek Outlet (Orange County): Poche Beach has made the Beach Bummer list in 2018, 2013, 2012 and 2011. This beach is impacted by the Prima Deshecha Cañada storm drain.
3. Pillar Point Harbor at Capistrano Avenue (San Mateo County): Several storm drains affect this beach and seawalls prevent pollutants from being washed away from the sands.
4. Foster City at Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County): A newcomer to the Beach Bummer list, this beach is boxed in by enclosed channels has a history of poor-quality waters.
5. Topanga Beach at Creek Outlet (Los Angeles County): A Beach Bummer regular that is likely impacted by lots of bird and dog excrement.
6. Pillar Point Harbor Beach (San Mateo County): Pollution levels worsened here this year.
7. Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek (San Mateo County): This is the third year in a row this beach made the Beach Bummer list. Runoff runs into the waters via San Pedro Creek.
8. Mission Bay at Vacation Isle North Cove (San Diego County): This enclosed beach is affected by nearby developments and has previously appeared on the Beach Bummer list.
9. San Clemente Pier (Orange County): This is the second year in a row this beach has made the list. It's likely been impacted by runoff and excrement.
10. Pillar Point Harbor at Westpoint Avenue (San Mateo County): This enclosed harbor has made the list twice before and is affected by runoff.

View the full report here.