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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-09; Testing Method Changes for the Beach and Bay Water Quality Program, County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (Districts - All); Gomez, PazTo the members of the: CIT .'--~~· '1 1C!L Date2{q[?3cA ✓ cc~ CM ~CM _1{6cM (3) ~ {city of Carlsbad Memo ID# 2023015 Council Memorandum Februar'y 9, 2023 To: From: Via: Re: Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Publ~orks Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager fGe. Testing Method Changes for the Beach and Bay Water Quality Program, County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality {Districts -All) This memorandum provides information related to the County of San Diego's (County) Beach and Bay Water Quality Program, including recent changes to the analytical testing methods that may affect the frequency of water contact advisories issued at Carlsbad beaches. Background Beach water quality in Carlsbad is among the cleanest in the State of California. There are five Carlsbad beaches on Heal the Bay's Honor Roll in their 2021-2022 Beach Report Card (Attachment A). Other Carlsbad beaches that were assessed received all A or A+ ratings, indicating that they are also safe for swimming year-round. The report cards are based on water quality data collected at these beaches, primarily by the County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Per the County's website: "The Department of Environmental Health and Quality's Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program protects the public health of millions of residents and visitors each year through beach water testing, public education, outreach, and beach postings. Beach postings can include water contact advisories, warnings, and closures when necessary. The Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program coordinates the sampling and posting of signs warning of contaminated water at beaches affected by sewage spills, when monitoring indicates bacteria levels· exceed state standards, or during other events that may pose a threat to public health." More information is available in the Beach and Bay Water Quality Program Brochure (Attachment B). Recent County adoption of the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) testing method, which is more sensitive in measuring bacteria, may be affecting the number of beach postings; however, there is still not enough new data to be definitive. This ddPCR method replaced the culture-based method previously used for testing (Attachment C). Attachment D provides frequently asked questions (FAQ) on how the ddPCR method is used in support of the Beach and Bay Water Quality Program. Public Works Branch Environmental Sustainability Department · 1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2799 t Council Memo -Testing Method Changes for the Beach and Bay Water Quality (Districts -All) February 9, 2023 Page 2 Discussion Per the County, "In May 2022, San Diego County became the first Federal and State approved coastal county in the nation to begin using a new droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) testing method that offers more rapid results to inform the public of the water quality conditions within the same day. This method looks for bacterial DNA which has proven to be more precise and protective of public health." Information provided by the County states that the new tests are more sensitive because they are impacted less by other environmental factors. The number of ocean advisories can vary from year to year depending on ocean conditions, currents, breaches of lagoons and other factors. Since the methods changed, Carlsbad has had three separate advisories due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards. For comparison, there were no advisories at Carlsbad beaches in the year before the methods changed. Following up on these postings, city staff found no evidence that runoff from the storm drain system or other action by the city was the cause of the postings. Bacteria can come from a wide range of sources that include wildlife, pet and human waste, faulty septic tanks and sewage infrastructure, and occasional impacts can occur. Carlsbad has many programs to address these potential sources of bacteria. Next Steps The exact impact of the new testing methods will become clearer with time. City staff will continue to track beach advisories and continue implementation of programs such as storm water inspections, patrols and street sweeping to address sources of bacteria. Attachments: A. 2021-2022 Beach Report Card (Due to the size of Attachment A, a hardcopy is on file in the Office of the City Council, as reference) B. Beach and Bay Water Quality Program Brochure C. Testing Method Comparison D. County of San Diego ddPCR FAQ cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Cindie McMahon, City Attorney Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief Mickey Williams, Police Chief Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Vicki Quiram, Utilities Director Kristina Ray, Communication & Engagement Director James Wood, Environmental Sustainability Director Tim Murphy, Senior Program Manager 1 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Beach Report Card 2021-2022 ATTACHMENT A We would like to acknowledge that Heal the Bay is located on the traditional lands of the Tongva People and pay our respects to elders both past and present. Heal the Bay is an environmental non-profit dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean. To fulfill our mission, we use science, education, community action, and advocacy. The Beach Report Card program is funded by grants from: ©2022 Heal the Bay. All Rights Reserved. The fishbones logo is a trademark of Heal the Bay. The Beach Report Card is a service mark of Heal the Bay. We at Heal the Bay believe the public has the right to know the water quality at their beaches. We are proud to provide West Coast residents and visitors with this information in an easy-to-understand format. We hope beachgoers will use this information to make the decisions necessary to protect their health. Beach Report Card2021-2021 Cover: Newport Beach / Orange County / photo: Art Wager Heal the Bay .... tlOQTRf IIAIUfACTUll!U AIIOCIATIOI SWAIN BARBER FOUNDATION @ ·world Surf Ile ague 3 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 CONTENTS HEAL THE BAY 2021-2022 • SECTION I: WELCOME EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................5 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................8 • SECTION II: WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW ...................................................................11 HONOR ROLL ......................................................................................15 BEACH BUMMERS ..............................................................................17 IMPACT OF BEACH TYPE................................................................20 CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES ...........................................23 OREGON COUNTY SUMMARIES .................................................34 WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES .......................................37 TIJUANA, MEXICO SUMMARY ......................................................42 • SECTION III: BEACH NEWS BIG SPILLS............................................................................................44 KEEPING OUR OCEAN SAFE AND CLEAN ...............................44 ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 1066 ..............................................................45 WILDFIRES, WATER QUALITY, AND CLIMATE CHANGE ......45 FUNDING SHORELINE MONITORING PROGRAMS ...............45 NOWCAST UPDATE ..........................................................................46 THE BEACH REPORT CARD AND ACCESS TO WATER RECREATION ..............................................46 • SECTION IV: APPENDICES A // BEACH BUMMER HISTORY ....................................................48 B // ALL GRADES BY COUNTY .....................................................50 C // FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .....................................66 D // METHODOLOGY .......................................................................68 E // AKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CREDITS ......................................70 4 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 WELCOME Point Vicente, Palos Verdes / Los Angeles County 5 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Summer Dry Grades were excellent across the State with 94% of California beaches receiving A and B grades, which is on par with the average. Winter Dry Grades were slightly below average with 88% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades for the past year were a little above average with 66% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I WELCOME Coastal counties in California received 24% less rainfall than than the historical average, and all coastal counties are experiencing moderate or extreme drought. Below average rainfall may have resulted in the slight improvements to Wet Weather Grades because reduced amounts of pollutants, including bacteria, were flushed into the ocean. However, reduced rainfall does not always result in improved grades; and in our last report, we found California’s rainfall to be 41% lower than the historical average and Wet Weather Grades lower than average. Research has found that the length and frequency of storms can have a large impact on bacteria concentrations in the ocean, which may account for the differences between Wet Weather Grades in this report and the previous one. Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes / Los Angeles County ● Playa Blanca near Tijuana is the number one Beach Bummer this year. This beach and others in the area are impacted by sewage-contaminated runoff from the Tijuana metropolitan area, which has insufficient and, in some places, nonexistent sewage infrastructure. This beach may also receive influxes of sewage contamination from the Punta Bandera treatment plant outfall north of the beach. ● San Mateo County has produced more Beach Bummers than any other county in recent years. This year Erckenbrack Park is a Beach Bummer for a third straight year; Marlin Park is making its second consecutive appearance; and Lakeshore Park has been a Beach Bummer five times in the last 10 years. These beaches are enclosed in an engineered patchwork of channels that do not allow much water circulation so pollution is not easily flushed away from the beaches. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 ● Santa Monica Pier, once a mainstay on the Beach Bummer list, has unfortunately returned as the number four Beach Bummer after a brief hiatus. The last time Santa Monica Pier appeared on the list was in 2018. City of Santa Monica officials have stated that they plan on replacing the deteriorating bird- excluding netting under the pier because birds attracted by the pier are a potential source of fecal pollution. ● Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach is home to two Beach Bummer locations this year, which is not a surprise given this beach’s history. Poor water quality has persisted at this beach since the Beach Report Card began over 30 years ago. The characteristics that make this beach a great destination for families also make it prone to bacteria pollution. This beach is enclosed within Marina del Rey so there is little wave action or water circulation. That means bacteria pollution does not get flushed away from the shore as it does at open ocean beaches. Los Angeles County has implemented many water quality improvement projects in the area, but the physical features here make it hard to eliminate the high levels of pollution. through a retention basin containing natural vegetation. However, the retention basin was not constructed for filtering out fecal indicator bacteria so they do not know how effective it is against fecal pollution. Natural populations of birds are suspected to be the reason for the high bacteria concentrations, but more investigation is necessary to support that claim. ● Tijuana Slough, approximately one mile North of Tijuana River Mouth, is impacted by sewage pollution which is carried into the ocean by the Tijuana River. Impaired and insufficient sewage infrastructure in the City of Tijuana sends millions of gallons of sewage into the Tijuana River and out into the Pacific Ocean every year. Recent research has also shown that partially-treated sewage discharges from the Punta Bandera treatment plant in Tijuana flow north from and impact beaches in the border region. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I WELCOME EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ● Moonstone County Park in Humboldt County is making its first appearance as a Beach Bummer. This beach receives pollution inputs from the Little River which flows into the ocean at this location. A study conducted at nearby Clam Beach found that birds, cows, and dogs were sources of fecal pollution, but more research is needed to assess the health risks at Moonstone County Park. ● Vaughn’s Launch in Orange County is a sampling location within the Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and State Marine Conservation area. Swimming and fishing are not allowed here but kayaking and paddleboarding are; the nearest location to launch a boat is at the Newport Bay Aquatic Center. Vaughn’s Launch is impacted by a nearby creek that carries runoff from the surrounding neighborhoods. Local officials have worked on addressing certain pollutants in the runoff by funneling the potentially polluted water Santa Monica / Los Angeles County 7 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 No Oregon beaches were monitored frequently enough to receive a Summer Dry Grade, and no beaches were monitored during the winter months. Only six counties received Wet Weather grades, and only 57% of the beaches received A and B grades, which is lower than the state’s historical average of 79%. Washington Summer Dry Grades were mediocre with 79% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is far below the average of 96%. Wet Weather Grades were exceptional and equal to the historical average with 94% receiving A and B grades. Unfortunately, no Washington beaches were monitored during the winter months so we could not calculate Winter Dry Grades. In the Tijuana area, we found concerning levels of pollution at all three beaches that are monitored. El Faro and El Vigia both received a D for Summer Dry Grades, while Playa Blanca received a F and ended up on our Beach Bummer list. All three beaches received F’s for Wet Weather and Winter Dry Grades. Over the last year, West Coast waters suffered from several catastrophic pollution discharges that endangered public health and our coastal ecosystems. This ‘summer of spills’ was the result of multiple infrastructure failures, further exacerbated by failures in public notification by public agencies. A ruptured sewer main sent seven million gallons of sewage into the Dominguez Channel which flows into the ocean near Long Beach, California. Unfortunately, that incident was eclipsed by another pipe rupture at The International Wastewater Treatment Plant north of Tijuana, on the United States side of the border. That pipe failure sent nearly one billion gallons of sewage-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean over the course of several weeks. A 13 million gallon sewage spill from Los Angeles’ Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant was the result of a failure in the Plant’s trash removal system. Los Angeles County beachgoers were not notified of the potential health I WELCOME EXECUTIVE SUMMARY risks until approximately 20 hours after the spill occurred. In October, 25,000 gallons of oil leaked from a pipeline off the coast of Huntington Beach, California. The oil spill closed beaches due to the toxic nature of crude oil and its fumes. In an all too common narrative, Orange County residents and visitors were not notified about the spill until the morning after it happened. Sewage spills and oil spills have a multitude of negative impacts in addition to the health risk they pose. Sewage and oil contain contaminants harmful to aquatic life such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, caffeine, and petroleum compounds among others. Beach closures resulting from the spills disrupted quality of life for oceangoers and financially damaged businesses that operate on the coast. The full impact these spills had on the environment and economy is difficult to assess because the number of potential impacts is so large, and the research is expensive and time consuming. However, we do know that more needs to be done to keep sewage and oil out of the ocean. Investments in infrastructure and updated public notification strategies are necessary for keeping our coast and its visitors safe. Tijuana, Mexicophoto: Roberto Cordova-Leiva 8 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 I WELCOME INTRODUCTION Life in coastal areas of the West Coast is tied to the beach. Beaches serve as vital spaces where people can relax, have fun, and connect with each other. We are fortunate to have beaches that are beautiful and clean most days of the year, but unfortunately, there are times and conditions when the water at the beach can make folks sick. Our coastal waters are regularly contaminated with pollutants such as chemicals, trash, and fecal matter, which are harmful to human health and the ocean ecosystem. To help keep the beach-going public safe, Heal the Bay created The Beach Report Card over 30 years ago. The Beach Report Card is an important and comprehensive public health tool, providing weekly and annual water quality grades based on bacterial pollution at over 700 beaches from Washington to Tijuana. We provide this information to the public through a website and app – all free of charge. Further, the Beach Report Card has been used for advocacy by Heal the Bay to protect and improve water quality and has spurred municipalities and agencies to take action, resulting in numerous success stories. Grades in the Beach Report Card are based on concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria measured at ocean beaches. While not harmful themselves, the bacteria measured for the Beach Report Card indicate the presence of pathogen-containing fecal matter. Organizations like Heal the Bay, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and all water recreation stakeholders are most concerned about fecal pollution over other pollutants because fecal pollution poses an acute health risk, meaning one exposure can make someone sick. Other contaminants like metals pose a chronic health risk, meaning illness only sets in if someone suffers prolonged exposure. Your average beachgoer does not get enough exposure to contaminants that pose a chronic health risk. Therefore, only bacteria standards are used for recreational water quality. Some beachgoers are privileged enough to have frequent access to the beach (surfers for example). These folks are definitely in the water more than a weekend beach visitor, so they can potentially have higher rates of exposure to harmful pollution. For all beach users, we recommend using the Beach Report Card to understand your risk of getting sick. If beachgoers avoid the water at beaches with a poor water quality continued Crystal Cove / Orange County 9 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Beach Report Card Basics The BRC uses a simple A-to-F letter grading system to provide water quality information to the public. This annual report issues cumulative grades for beaches on the West Coast, and provides information about other important water quality events that occurred in the past year such as sewage spills and major rainfall events. Grades are based on routine water quality sampling conducted by County health agencies, State agencies, Tribal agencies, sanitation departments, and dischargers on the West Coast. For recreational health protection, water samples are analyzed for three fecal indicator bacteria (FIB): total coliform, fecal coliform (E. coli), and Enterococcus species. These FIB, in significant quantities, indicate the presence of harmful pathogens in the water. This report assigns three separate grades for each beach: Summer Dry Grade (April through October 2021) This is the prime recreation season in California when beaches are most active. County governments are required to sample during this period according to the California Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards, as defined in Assembly Bill 411 (AB 411)1. Samples taken during wet weather are not used for these grades. Winter Dry Grade (November 2021 through March 2022) AB 411 does not mandate water quality monitoring for recreational purposes during winter months leading many counties and states to halt water quality monitoring in the winter season. Additionally, recreation generally decreases at beaches during the winter. Therefore, the winter season is graded separately. Samples taken during wet weather are not used for these grades. Wet Weather Grade (April 2021 through March 2022) Rain flushes contaminants and pollution, including bacteria from our streets directly into the ocean through storm drains, rivers and streams, and over impermeable surfaces such as concrete. This untreated stormwater decreases water quality by increasing the amount of pathogens in the ocean to potentially unsafe levels. Wet Weather Grades consist of samples taken during or three days following a rain event greater than 0.1 inches. Beachgoers who visit beaches during or after a rain event have an increased risk of contracting ear infections, eye infections, upper respiratory infections, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal illnesses2,3,4. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water for a minimum of three days following a significant rain event (0.1 inches or greater)5. I WELCOME INTRODUCTION grade based on fecal matter levels, they’re also likely avoiding other pollutants in addition to that bacteria. This is because most pollutants enter the ocean through the same routes: storm drains, rivers, and streams. Pollution flows off our streets and into these waterways, which subsequently discharge the contaminants into the ocean. We advise people to avoid contact with ocean water around storm drains and river outlets, and avoid all ocean contact for at least three days following a significant rain event. Heal the Bay does not believe in keeping people away from the beach or the water, but we want people to make informed decisions on where or when to get in. 1 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/bacterialobjectives/ 2 Haile, R.W., J.S. Witte, M. Gold, R. Cressey, C. McGee, R.C. Millikan, A. Glasser, N. Harawa, C. Ervin, P. Harmon, J. Harper, J. Dermand, J. Alamillo, K. Barrett, M. Nides, G. Wang. The health effects of swimming in ocean water contaminated by storm drain runoff. 1999. Epidemiology Vol. 10 No.4 355-363. 3 Colford, J.M., T.J. Wade, K.C. Schiff, C.C. Wright, J.F. Griffith, S.K. Sandhu, S. Burns, M. Sobsey, G. Lovelace, S.B. Weisberg. 2007. Water quality indicators and the risk of illness at beaches with nonpoint sources of fecal contamination. Epidemiology Vol. 10 No. 1 27-35. 4 Arnold, B.F., K.C. Schiff, A. Ercumen, J. Benjamin-Chung, J.A. Steele, J.F. Griffith, S.J. Steinberg, P. Smith, C.D. McGee, R. Wilson, C. Nelsen, S.B. Weisberg, J.M. Colford. 2017. Acute illness among surfers after exposure to seawater in dry-and wet-weather conditions. American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 186 No. 7 866-875. 5 https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013healthebayproject-1.pdf 10 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 West Coast Summary San Gregorio Beach / San Mateo County photo: Stella Pohl 11 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Summer Dry Grades were excellent across the State with 94% of California beaches receiving A and B grades, which is on par with the average. Winter Dry Grades were slightly below average with 88% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades for the past year were a little above average with 63% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. II WEST COAST SUMMARY Coastal counties in California received 24% less rainfall than than the historical average, and all coastal counties are experiencing moderate or extreme drought.6 Below average rainfall may have resulted in the slight improvement for Wet Weather Grades because reduced amounts of pollutants, including bacteria, were flushed into the ocean. In our last report, we found California’s rainfall to be 41% lower than the historical average, and Wet Weather Grades were actually lower than average. Research has found that the length and frequency of storms can have a large impact on bacteria concentrations in the ocean, which may account for the differences between Wet Weather Grades in this report and the previous one.7 Unfortunately, this past year saw an unprecedented 30 million gallons of sewage enter waterways in coastal areas of California, and this figure does not include the millions of gallons of sewage that regularly enter the CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Cowels Beach / Santa Cruz County Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. CALIFORNIA 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 430 89%258 81%259 52% B 24 5%25 8%57 11% C 10 2%12 4%50 10% D 10 2%7 2%29 6% F 10 2%18 6%104 21% A+B 454 94%283 88%316 63% C,D,F 30 6%37 12%183 37% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 401 88%293 81%219 49% B 32 7%31 8%48 11% C 12 3%17 5%31 7% D 6 1%6 2%30 7% F 8 2%15 4%119 27% A+B 432 94%324 90%266 60% C,D,F 26 6%38 10%180 40% 6 https://www.drought.gov/states/california 7 Ackerman, D., S.B. Weisberg. Relationship between rainfall and beach bacterial concentrations on Santa Monica bay beaches. 2003. Journal of Water and Health. 1(2):85-9. 12 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Northern California Northern California consists of all counties from Del Norte County to Marin County. Summer Dry Grades in this region were very good with 91% of beaches receiving A and B grades, which is slightly below average. No Northern California beaches were sampled enough in winter months to receive Winter Dry Grades. Wet Weather Grades in the northern part of the state were disappointing with only 60% receiving A’s and B’s. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Bodega Bay / Sonoma County That is well below the average of 82% A and B grades during wet weather. The Northern California region received 42 percent less rainfall than the historical average. Usually, below average rainfall results in improved Wet Weather Grades because fewer pollutants, including bacteria, are flushed into the ocean. However, we observed lower than average rainfall coupled with below average Wet Weather Grades. Research has found that the length and frequency of storms can have a large impact on bacteria concentrations in the ocean, which may account for this deviation from the typical trend we see. ocean through the Tijuana River. Aside from sewage spills, a major oil spill impacted ocean beaches for the first time since 2015. Sewage spills and oil spills have a multitude of negative impacts in addition to the health risk they pose. Sewage and oil contain contaminants harmful to aquatic life such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, caffeine, and petroleum compounds among others. Beach closures resulting from the spills disrupted quality of life for oceangoers and financially damaged businesses that operate on the coast. The full impact these spills had on the environment and economy is difficult to assess because the number of potential impacts is so large, and the research is expensive and time consuming. However, we do know that more needs to be done to keep sewage and oil out of the ocean. Investments in infrastructure and updated public notification strategies are necessary for keeping our coast and its visitors safe. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 39 89% 0 NO DATA 19 48% B 1 2% 0 NO DATA 5 13% C 1 2% 0 NO DATA 3 8% D 2 5% 0 NO DATA 2 5% F 1 2% 0 NO DATA 11 28% A+B 40 91% 0 NO DATA 24 60% C,D,F 4 9% 0 NO DATA 16 40% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 38 90% 1 100% 25 73% B 2 5% 0 0% 3 9% C 1 2% 0 0% 2 6% D 0 1% 0 0% 2 5% F 1 2% 0 0% 2 6% A+B 40 94% 1 100% 28 82% C,D,F 2 6% 0 0% 6 18% ------------- 13 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Central California Central California consists of all counties from San Francisco County to San Luis Obispo County. Summer Dry Grades were good and equal to the average with 90% of beaches receiving A and B marks. Winter Dry Grades were also on par with the average with 83% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were woeful as only 48% of the region’s beaches received A and B grades. That is well below the very bad 64% average. Central California Counties saw 5% less rainfall compared to the historical average. Six of the counties in this region actually received above average rainfall, but those increases were balanced out by decreased rainfall in others. The increased rainfall in some counties may account for the dip in Wet Weather Grades. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Piedras Blancas Light Station / San Luis Obispo County CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 67 81%36 67%36 40% B 8 10%9 17%7 8% C 3 4%1 2%13 14% D 2 2%3 6%7 8% F 3 4%5 9%27 30% A+B 75 90%45 83%43 48% C,D,F 8 10%9 17%47 52% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 60 76%51 74%47 49% B 11 14%6 9%14 15% C 3 3%5 7%8 9% D 2 2%1 2%5 6% F 4 5%5 8%21 22% A+B 71 90%57 83%61 64% C,D,F 8 10%11 17%35 36% 14 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Southern California Southern California consists of all counties from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County. Summer Dry Grades were stellar with 95% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is close to the average for this region. Winter Dry Grades were excellent and just a hair below average with 89% of SoCal beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were lackluster yet above average this past year as 67% of the beaches in Southern California received A and B grades when it rained. Southern California Counties received 7% less rainfall over the last rainy season compared to the historical average. The decrease in rainfall may explain the improvement observed in Wet Weather Grades. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW Del Mar Dog Beach / San Diego County SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 324 91%221 84%204 55% B 15 4%15 6%45 12% C 6 2%11 4%34 9% D 6 2%4 2%20 5% F 6 2%13 5%66 18% A+B 339 95%236 89%249 67% C,D,F 18 5%28 11%120 33% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 303 90%242 83%147 47% B 18 5%24 8%30 10% C 9 3%12 4%20 6% D 4 1%5 2%23 7% F 3 1%10 3%95 30% A+B 321 96%266 91%177 56% C,D,F 15 4%27 9%139 44% 15 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 HONOR ROLL To earn a spot on the Honor Roll, a beach must be monitored weekly all year and must receive an A+ for all seasons and weather conditions (Summer Dry, Winter Dry, Wet Weather). This year, 51 out of over 500 monitored beaches made it on the Honor Roll compared to 35 last year. The Honor Roll is typically dominated by Southern California beaches, in part, because many Northern and Central California Counties do not monitor beach water quality year-round. Orange County had the most beaches on the Honor Roll for a second straight year with 19. Dana Point and Doheny State Beach each have multiple locations on the Honor Roll. Treasure Island Beach has now appeared on the Honor Roll for a third consecutive year, and Crystal Cove is making a second consecutive appearance. San Diego County had 15 beaches on the Honor Roll this year, which is up from three in the last report. The Carlsbad area is home to five of this year’s Honor Roll beaches, and La Jolla Shores has three. Six Los Angeles County beaches earned top marks over the last year. Keeping with the trend of the last few years, most of Los Angeles County’s Honor Roll beaches are located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula or the Malibu Area. Venice City Beach at Brooks Ave. also made the cut this year. San Luis Obispo County made a strong showing this year with seven Honor Roll beaches. Four of those beaches are from the Pismo Beach area. Cayucos, Morro Bay, and San Simeon all had some high scorers. Guadalupe Dunes in Santa Barbara County continues to lead the class with a fourth straight appearance on the Honor Roll. Overall, four Santa Barbara County beaches made it on the Honor Roll. Each year we typically have several Ventura County beaches on the Honor Roll; however, no beaches were monitored sufficiently to receive Winter Dry Grades. We urge Ventura County to return to their historical winter monitoring schedule. II WEST COAST SUMMARY Treasure Island Beach / Orange County A+ 16 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY Venice Beach / Los Angeles County BEACH NAME COUNTY Venice City Beach, at Brooks Ave. drain Los Angeles Rancho Palos Verdes, Long Point Los Angeles Royal Palms State Beach Los Angeles Palos Verdes Estates, at Malaga Cove trail outlet Los Angeles Las Tunas County Beach, at Pena Creek Los Angeles Nicholas Beach, at San Nicholas Canyon Creek Los Angeles Dana Point Harbor Youth Dock Orange Dana Point Harbor Guest Dock Orange Poche Beach Orange Doheny Beach Orange Doheny State Beach, End of the Park Orange Doheny State Beach, at Last Campground Orange Corona Del Mar Orange Crystal Cove Orange Marine Science Institute Beach Orange Dana Point, Capistrano County Beach Orange Doheny State Beach, Pedestrian Bridge Orange Dana Strands Beach Orange Huntington City Beach, at 17th Street Orange Bolsa Chica Reserve, at Flood Gates Orange Surfside Beach, at Sea Way Orange San Clemente, at Avenida Calafia Orange Salt Creek Beach Orange Laguna Lido Orange Treasure Island Beach Orange Del Mar, at 15th Street San Diego 2021-2022HONOR ROLL BEACH NAME COUNTY Carlsbad, at Tamarack Ave.San Diego Carlsbad, at Poinsettia Lane San Diego Carlsbad, at Encina Creek San Diego Carlsbad, at Palomar Airport Rd.San Diego Carlsbad, at Cerezo Drive San Diego Oceanside, at Forster Street San Diego Oceanside, Harbor Beach at Harbor Drive San Diego Point Loma, Lighthouse San Diego Point Loma, Point Loma Treatment Plant San Diego Sunset Cliffs, at Ladera Street San Diego Mission Beach, Belmont Park San Diego La Jolla Shores Beach, 1000 ft south of Scripps Pier San Diego La Jolla Shores Beach, 250 feet south of Scripps Pier San Diego La Jolla Shores Beach, 500 feet north of Scripps Pier San Diego Guadalupe Dunes Santa Barbara East Beach, at Sycamore Creek Santa Barbara El Capitan State Beach Santa Barbara Sands, at Coal Oil Point Santa Barbara Cayucos State Beach, downcoast of the pier San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach, at Ocean View San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach, at Wadsworth Street San Luis Obispo San Simeon State Beach, at Pico Ave.San Luis Obispo Morro Strand State Beach, at Beachcomber Drive San Luis Obispo Pismo State Beach, 571 yards south of Pier Ave.San Luis Obispo Pismo State Beach, 330 yards north of Pier Ave.San Luis Obispo A+ -...A -j ~,r,t ~. Jl A'--,..,,_ 17 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Unfortunately, not every beach makes the Honor Roll. The beaches that received the ten poorest Summer Dry Grades are called Beach Bummers. This year’s summer Beach Bummers are: 1. Playa Blanca (Tijuana Mexico) The number one Beach Bummer this year is Playa Blanca located south of the City of Tijuana. This beach and others in the area are impacted by sewage-contaminated runoff from the Tijuana area, which has insufficient, and in some places nonexistent, sewage infrastructure. This beach may also receive influxes of sewage contamination from the Punta Bandera treatment plant outfall north of the beach. This treatment plant discharges millions of gallons of lightly treated wastewater into the ocean. However, some research has found that ocean currents predominantly carry this contamination northward so additional pollution sources for this beach may need to be identified. 2. Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County) Erckenbrack Park is appearing on the Beach Bummer list for a third straight year. This area of the San Francisco Bay has had a known record of poor water quality, and the beaches in this area have now become perennial Beach Bummers. This beach lies within an engineered patchwork of enclosed channels which are impacted by dry weather runoff from the surrounding residential and commercial development. Nearby, Lakeshore Park and Marlin Park are also Beach Bummers this year. 3. Marlin Park (San Mateo County) Another San Mateo Beach snagged the third spot on the Bummer list this year. Marlin Park made its Beach Bummer debut last year, and it has regrettably suffered another year of poor water quality. The Foster City area has been plagued with poor water quality in recent years, and the physical characteristics of its beaches play a major role. Marlin Park along with Erckenbrack Park and Lakeshore Park experience very little water circulation so pollution from the surrounding landscape sticks around longer. BEACH BUMMERS II WEST COAST SUMMARY Foster City / San Mateo County F 18 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 4. Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles County) Santa Monica Pier, once a mainstay on the Beach Bummer list, has unfortunately returned as the number four Beach Bummer after a brief hiatus. The last time Santa Monica Pier appeared on the list was in our 2018 Report Card. There have been many projects aimed at improving water quality at the Pier over the years including a system for capturing and reusing storm drain runoff.8 City of Santa Monica officials have stated that they plan on replacing the deteriorating bird- excluding netting under the pier because birds attracted by the pier are a source of fecal pollution. 5. Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, at lifeguard tower (Los Angeles County) Unsurprisingly, Mother’s Beach at the lifeguard tower is a Beach Bummer. Poor water quality has persisted at this beach since the Beach Report Card began over 30 years ago. The characteristics that make this beach a great destination for families also make it prone to bacteria pollution. This beach is enclosed within Marina del Rey so there is little wave action or water circulation. Therefore, bacteria pollution does not get flushed away from the shore as it does at open ocean beaches. Los Angeles County has implemented many water quality improvement projects in the area, but the physical features here make it hard to eliminate the high levels of pollution. 6. Moonstone County Park (Humboldt County) Making its first appearance as a Beach Bummer is Moonstone County Park in Trinidad California. The Little River flows into the ocean at this beach carrying with it pollution from the surrounding watershed. Humboldt County officials conducted a source identification study9 designed to identify the origin of fecal pollution at nearby Clam Beach. The study found that most fecal matter in the ocean and throughout the watershed came from birds and bovines. Beach samples used in the study were collected on a single day, and non-human fecal matter can still pose a health risk to humans10 so more research is needed to assess the health risk at Humboldt County beaches. 7. Newport Bay, Vaughn’s Launch (Orange County) The number seven Beach Bummer is a bit of an outlier when it comes to the list. This is a sampling location within the Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and State Marine Conservation area,11 and it is not your typical sandy beach. Swimming and fishing are not allowed here but kayaking and paddleboarding are; the nearest location to launch a boat is at the Newport Bay Aquatic Center. Vaughn’s Launch is impacted by a nearby creek that carries runoff from the surrounding neighborhoods. Local officials have worked on addressing certain pollutants in the runoff by funneling the potentially polluted water through a retention basin containing natural vegetation. However, the retention basin was not constructed for filtering out fecal indicator bacteria so they do not know how effective it is against fecal pollution. Natural populations of birds are suspected to be the reason for high bacteria concentrations at this location, but more investigation is necessary to support that claim. II WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS 8 https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/santa-monica-draws-line-in-the-sand-on-water-infrastructure-innovation 9 https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/13/6901/htm 10 Soller, J. A., M. E. Schoen, T. Bartrand, J. E. Ravenscroft, N. J. Ashbolt. Estimated human health risks from exposure to recreational waters impacted by human and non-human sources of faecal contamination. 2010. Water Research 44: 4674-4691. 11 https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Upper-Newport-Bay-ER 19 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 8. Lakeshore Park (San Mateo County) Lakeshore Park is unfortunately making its fifth Beach Bummer appearance in the last 10 years. This beach is similar to Erckenbrack Park and Marlin Park in that all are enclosed within a network of rather stagnant channels in San Francisco Bay. These channels receive urban runoff from surrounding development, and there is very little water circulation which keeps pollution nearshore. This is the third San Mateo County Beach Bummer this year. II WEST COAST SUMMARY BEACH BUMMERS 9. Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between lifeguard tower and boat dock (Los Angeles County) The number nine Beach Bummer is another Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach location, and it is just down the shore from the number five Bummer. As described above, Mother’s Beach is enclosed in a Marina that experiences very little water circulation so fecal pollution from the surrounding area lingers near the shoreline. 12 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.674214/full 10. Tijuana Slough, North of Tijuana River Mouth (San Diego County) Tijuana Slough, North of Tijuana River Mouth, is impacted by sewage pollution carried into the ocean by the Tijuana River. Impaired and insufficient sewage infrastructure in the City of Tijuana sends millions of gallons of sewage into the Tijuana River and out into the Pacific Ocean. Also, recent research has shown that partially- treated sewage discharges from the Punta Bandera treatment plant flow north from the Tijuana area and impact beaches in the border region.12 RANK LOCATION SUMMER DRY GRADE COUNTY/AREA BEACH TYPE 1 Playas Blanca Tijuana, Mexico 2 Erckenbrack Park San Mateo Enclosed 3 Marlin Park San Mateo Enclosed 4 Santa Monica Pier Los Angeles Storm Drain Impacted 5 Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, at lifeguard tower Los Angeles Enclosed 6 Moonstone County Park Humboldt Storm Drain Impacted 7 Newport Bay, Vaughn’s Launch Orange 8 Lakeshore Park, behind Rec Center San Mateo Enclosed 9 Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock Los Angeles Enclosed 10 Tijuana Slough north of TIjuana River San Diego Open 2021-2022BEACH BUMMERS F -r ~ I~ r ~ - ~ ~~(§) ..........,.._, G G (§) G (§) G ~ G (§) G ~ G G (§) G (§) G -¢- ::::::::::::::: 20 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Open Beaches Open beaches do not have obstructions between the beach and open water. They experience more wave action and greater water circulation than an enclosed beach. These beaches do not have storm drains, streams, or rivers flowing into them. As a result, open beaches tend to have better water quality than enclosed or storm drain, stream, or river beaches. Eighty-eight open beaches received grades this year. Not all beaches are the same when it comes to water quality. We have categorized California’s beaches into three groups for analysis: 1) open beaches, 2) storm drain, stream, and river beaches, and 3) enclosed beaches. IMPACT OF BEACH TYPE II WEST COAST SUMMARY Rodeo Beach / Marin Countyphoto: Marin County ● Summer Dry Grades were phenomenal with 99% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Winter Dry Grades were excellent with 95% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Wet Weather Grades were rather decent and above average with 82% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● As indicated by the poorer Wet Weather Grades, open beaches are still impacted by stormwater. We advise people to avoid contact with ocean water for at least three days at all beaches following a significant rain event. .......,..._,,, .......,..._,,, 21 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Storm Drain, Stream, and River Beaches Beaches with storm drains, streams, or rivers flowing into them receive runoff that carries bacteria. We recommend swimming at least 100 yards away from storm drains, streams, and rivers at the beach. Also, avoid contact with the water for at least three days following a rain event. This year we issued grades to 222 of these beaches. Enclosed Beaches Enclosed beaches have obstructions like a land mass or jetty blocking the beach from the open water. They are often associated with lagoons, marinas, and harbors. Enclosed beaches have little wave action and poor water circulation, which leads to generally worse water quality. Due to their calm waters, enclosed beaches are inviting for small children, and they are frequently preferred by parents and given names like Mother’s Beach. We calculated grades for 99 enclosed beaches this year. II WEST COAST SUMMARY IMPACT OF BEACH TYPE ● Summer Dry Grades were superb and slightly above average with 95% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Winter Dry Grades were excellent and above average with 91% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Wet Weather Grades were mediocre but above average this year with 71% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Two of this year’s Beach Bummers were impacted by runoff through a storm drain, river, or stream. ● Surprisingly, 22 of the 51 beaches on this year’s Honor Roll are impacted by a storm drain, stream, or river. Venice Beach storm drain / Los Angeles County ● Summer Dry Grades for enclosed beaches were good yet below average with 88% receiving A and B grades. ● Winter Dry Grades were passing but below average with 80% of enclosed beaches receiving A and B grades. ● Wet Weather Grades were abysmal with only 48% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, however, this is still above average for this type of beach. ● Five of this year’s Beach Bummers were enclosed beaches. ~ ......,,,.,.._, 22 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY IMPACT OF BEACH TYPE Mission Bay Park / San Diego County 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 81 92% 49 88% 59 68% B 6 7% 4 7% 12 14% C 0 0% 1 2% 7 8% D 0 0% 1 2% 2 2% F 1 1% 1 2% 7 8% A+B 87 99% 53 95% 71 82% C,D,F 1 1% 3 5% 16 18% 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 199 90% 124 84% 140 61% B 11 5% 10 7% 24 10% C 6 3% 6 4% 16 7% D 4 2% 2 1% 10 4% F 2 1% 6 4% 41 18% A+B 210 95% 134 91% 164 71% C,D,F 12 5% 14 9% 67 29% 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 81 82% 36 65% 30 29% B 6 6% 8 15% 19 18% C 3 3% 4 7% 20 19% D 4 4% 2 4% 6 6% F 5 5% 5 9% 28 27% A+B 87 88% 44 80% 49 48% C,D,F 12 12% 11 20% 54 52% ENCLOSED 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 80 95% 60 89% 51 62% B 2 3% 3 4% 11 14% C 1 2% 2 3% 6 7% D 0 0% 1 1% 4 5% F 0 0% 2 3% 10 12% A+B 82 98% 62 93% 63 76% C,D,F 2 2% 5 7% 20 24% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 194 86% 144 80% 108 49% B 16 7% 16 9% 22 10% C 8 4% 9 5% 17 8% D 4 2% 4 2% 15 7% F 4 2% 7 4% 59 27% A+B 210 93% 160 89% 130 59% C,D,F 16 7% 20 11% 91 41% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 75 82% 49 71% 26 31% B 10 11% 10 14% 5 6% C 2 2% 4 6% 4 5% D 1 2% 1 2% 7 8% F 3 3% 5 7% 41 50% A+B 84 93% 59 85% 31 37% C,D,F 6 7% 10 15% 51 63% GRADES BY TIME PERIOD & BEACH TYPE OPEN STORM DRAIN -¢- ~ 23 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Del Norte County Del Norte County is the northernmost coastal county in California, and there is only one beach that was monitored: Crescent City Beach at Battery Point Lighthouse. This beach received an A+ for Summer Dry Grades, which is normal for this site. There were no Winter Dry Grades issued for this site due to undersampling. The D it received for Wet Weather was lower than usual. CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES II WEST COAST SUMMARY This County received 42 inches of rain this past year, which is more than any other County in California. But, this was still 24% below the County’s historical average of 55 inches. All Northern California counties had below average rainfall this year. There was one sewage spill reported in the County, which discharged 700 gallons into a nearby waterbody. No beaches were impacted by the spill. Clam Beach / Humboldt County photo: Nicholas Turland Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. DEL NORTE COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 1 100%1 100%1 76% B 0 0%0 0%0 0% C 0 0%0 0%0 24% D 0 0%0 0%0 0% F 0 0%0 0%0 0% A+B 1 100%1 100%1 76% C,D,F 0 0%0 0%0 24% 24 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Humboldt County Summer Dry Grades were poor this year with only 40% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were abysmal with only 20% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Humboldt County water quality was far below average over the last year. Humboldt County does not monitor its beaches in the winter months so there were no Winter Dry Grades and no beaches were eligible for the Honor Roll. Moonstone County Park was the number six Beach Bummer this year, marking the first time it became one of California’s most polluted beaches. Humboldt County received 21 inches of rain, which is 46% lower than the historical average of 38 inches. Most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know the full impact the reduced rainfall had on water quality. Three reported sewage spills discharged 1,725 gallons into rivers and streams mainly in Eureka City, but no beaches were impacted by the spills. Mendocino County Mendocino beaches received straight A’s for Summer Dry and Wet Weather Grades, which is outstanding. Beaches in this County have not received a grade lower than a B in the last five years. Mendocino County does not monitor its beaches in the winter months so there were no Winter Dry Grades and no beaches were eligible for the Honor Roll. Mendocino County only received 12 inches of rain, which is 68% lower than the average of 37 inches. Three reported sewage spills impacted waterways in Mendocino County. One spill sent 870 gallons into the Noyo River which drains into Noyo Bay. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES HUMBOLDT COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 2 40% NO DATA NO DATA 1 20% B 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 2 40%NO DATA NO DATA 1 20% F 1 20% NO DATA NO DATA 3 60% A+B 2 40%NO DATA NO DATA 1 20% C,D,F 3 60% NO DATA NO DATA 4 80% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 2 40% NO DATA NO DATA 1 30% B 1 12% NO DATA NO DATA 1 35% C 1 20% NO DATA NO DATA 1 15% D 0 8%NO DATA NO DATA 0 10% F 1 20% NO DATA NO DATA 0 10% A+B 3 52%NO DATA NO DATA 3 65% C,D,F 2 48% NO DATA NO DATA 1 35% MENDOCINO COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 5 100%NO DATA NO DATA 5 100% B 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 5 100%NO DATA NO DATA 5 100% C,D,F 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 5 96% NO DATA NO DATA 3 71% B 0 4% NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% D 0 0% NO DATA NO DATA 0 4% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 5 100% NO DATA NO DATA 4 83% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 17% 111111 25 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Sonoma County Sonoma County beaches had good water quality with 86% receiving A’s for Summer Dry Grades. However, this stretch of coastline usually receives all A’s in the summer months. All monitored beaches received A’s for Wet Weather Grades. Sonoma County does not monitor its beaches in winter months so no Winter Dry Grades were generated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Sonoma County received 8 inches of rain, which is 71% lower than the historical average of 29 inches and more characteristic of a Southern California county. Sonoma County saw the largest drop in rainfall in California this year. A total of 571,849 gallons of sewage were spilled into waterways, mainly from two major spills. Both occurred in the same area, sending sewage into Petaluma River and Sonoma Creek which flow into San Pablo Bay. Marin County Summer Dry Grades were exemplary for a fourth consecutive year with all 26 of Marin County beaches receiving A and B grades. For Wet Weather Grades, 59% of the beaches received A and B grades, which is much lower than the historical average of 81%. Marin County does not monitor its beaches in winter months so no Winter Dry Grades were calculated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Marin County received 20 inches of rain, which is a 5% increase from the historical average of 19 inches. However, most of the rain fell during the winter months when the beaches are not monitored, so we do not know if there was an impact on water quality. A health advisory was issued after a 132,500-gallon sewage spill in Sausalito near Schoonmaker Beach. In total, 34 spills impacted bodies of water, and a total of 381,519 gallons were spilled. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SONOMA COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 6 86%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 1 14%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 6 86%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% C,D,F 1 14%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 7 100%NO DATA NO DATA 5 96% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 4% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 7 100%NO DATA NO DATA 6 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% MARIN COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 25 96%NO DATA NO DATA 11 41% B 1 4%NO DATA NO DATA 5 19% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 3 11% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 8 30% A+B 26 100%NO DATA NO DATA 16 59% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 11 41% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 22 95%NO DATA NO DATA 14 76% B 1 5%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 6% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 2 9% A+B 24 100%NO DATA NO DATA 15 81% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 4 19% 26 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 San Francisco County 100% of San Francisco’s Summer Dry Grades were either A’s or B’s this year, which is exceptional and above average. Wet Weather Grades were woefully bad this year with 0% receiving A grades and only 17% receiving B grades. This is much lower than the 5-year average of 55% A and B grades. 72% of the beaches even ended up with F grades under wet conditions. For Winter Dry Grades 60% of the beaches received A and B grades, which is much lower than the historical average. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES San Francisco County received 20 inches of rain, which is a 5% increase from the historical average of 19 inches. San Francisco has a combined sewer system meaning rain runoff flows into the sewer system and gets treated instead of flowing into the ocean. Despite this system, water quality is still negatively impacted when it rains because some pollution makes its way to the ocean in creeks and over surfaces. If it rains enough, the sewers can also overflow, sending sewage into the ocean. Four sewage spills in San Francisco sent a total of 1,406,380 gallons into the ocean. The majority of the sewage was spilled into the Bay from one 1.4 million-gallon spill near Aquatic Park & Crissy Field, and a health advisory was issued in response. Candlestick Point / San Francisco County SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 15 94%5 50%0 0% B 1 6%1 10%3 17% C 0 0%0 0%2 11% D 0 0%2 20%0 0% F 0 0%2 20%13 72% A+B 16 100%6 60%3 17% C,D,F 0 0%4 40%15 83% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 13 83%12 78%6 33% B 2 14%2 10%4 22% C 0 1%0 3%2 11% D 0 0%0 1%1 7% F 0 1%1 8%5 27% A+B 15 97%14 88%10 55% C,D,F 0 3%2 12%8 45% 27 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES East Bay: Alameda County and Contra Costa County The East Bay had outstanding water quality over the last year with 100% of the beaches earning either an A or a B for Summer Dry Grades. For Wet Weather Grades, only 13% of the beaches received A and B grades, which is much lower than the historical average of 64%. East Bay Counties did not monitor their beaches in winter months so no Winter Dry Grades were calculated and no beaches from this area were eligible for the Honor Roll. Alameda County and Contra Costa County received 20 inches of rain, which is a 5% increase from the historical average of 19 inches. More rainfall usually results in worse water quality because more pollutants are washed into the ocean. There were 79 sewage spills across both Counties that sent a total of 2,756,894 gallons into bodies of water. One 7,655 gallon spill closed Temescal Lake, a freshwater recreation area. Nine spills totaling 1.3 million gallons entered into San Francisco Bay in Richmond. EAST BAY COUNTIES 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 7 88%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% B 1 13%NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 3 38% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 2 25% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 2 25% A+B 8 100%NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 7 88% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 62%4 70%3 44% B 2 23%1 20%1 19% C 1 10%1 10%1 11% D 0 5%0 0%0 6% F 0 0%0 0%1 19% A+B 7 85%5 90%5 64% C,D,F 1 15%1 10%3 36% Foster City / San Mateo County 28 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 San Mateo County San Mateo County had another disappointing year in terms of water quality. Only 68% of the County’s beaches received an A or B for Summer Dry Grades, which is slightly below average. Wet Weather Grades were poor, but better compared to the historical average with 44% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were also better compared to historical average, with 78% receiving A and B grades. Three San Mateo County beaches made it on our Beach Bummer list: Erckenbrack Park, Marlin Park, and Lakeshore Park. All are enclosed beaches on the bay side. Erckenbrack Park has been on the Bummer List for three consecutive years and Marlin Park has been on the list for two consecutive years. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES We have observed a troubling trend of poor water quality in San Mateo County in recent years. There have been at least two Beach Bummers from this County in the previous four reports including three last year. No other county has had more beach bummers in the last three years. San Mateo County received 20 inches of rain, which is a 5% increase from the historical average of 19 inches. More rainfall usually results in worse water quality because increased amounts of pollutants are washed into the ocean, but we did not observe that trend this year. There were 38 sewage spills into bodies of water adding up to 3,950,039 gallons. One 2.9-million-gallon spill closed Pacifica State Beach, and one 44,000 gallon spill closed Linda Mar Beach. Another two spills totaling 363,000 gallons were released upstream from Aquatic Park, however no health advisories were issued for the spills. Marlin Park / San Mateo County SAN MATEO COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 11 50% 12 52% 9 36% B 4 18% 6 26% 2 8% C 2 9% 1 4% 5 20% D 2 9% 1 4% 3 12% F 3 14% 3 13% 6 24% A+B 15 68% 18 78% 11 44% C,D,F 7 32% 5 22% 14 56% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # % # % # % A 8 50% 9 45% 7 30% B 4 21% 2 11% 2 9% C 1 7% 3 16% 2 9% D 1 4% 1 6% 3 12% F 3 18% 5 23% 9 39% A+B 12 71% 12 55% 9 39% C,D,F 5 29% 9 45% 14 61% 11111• 29 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Santa Cruz County Summer Dry Grades were great and a little higher than average this year with 92% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were disappointing as only 21% of the beaches received an A or B grade; this is far lower than the average of 66%. Winter Dry Grades were outstanding and above average with 100% of the County’s beaches receiving A and B grades. Santa Cruz County received 19 inches of rain, which is 28% below the historical average of 26 inches. This did not appear to result in better grades for the County which typically happens in drier years. Four sewage spills discharged a total of 3,198 gallons into waterbodies across the County. Hidden Beach and Privates Beach were issued health advisories for small spills. Monterey County Monterey County’s beaches all received A or B grades for Summer Dry and Wet Grades. Monterey County did not monitor its beaches in winter months so no Winter Dry Grades were generated and no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. Monterey County received 13 inches of rain, which is 24% lower than the historical average of 17 inches. This County has historically had very good water quality through both dry and wet years. Seven sewage spills totaling 1,342 gallons made it into a body of water in Monterey County. One 800-gallon spill in December resulted in a sewage advisory for Asilomar State Beach. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SANTA CRUZ COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 10 83%1 50%2 14% B 1 8%1 50%1 7% C 1 8%0 0%3 21% D 0 0%0 0%2 14% F 0 0%0 0%6 43% A+B 11 92%2 100%3 21% C,D,F 1 8%0 0%11 79% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 9 69%9 72%10 48% B 2 18%2 15%3 17% C 0 3%1 8%2 12% D 1 5%0 2%1 3% F 1 5%0 3%4 19% A+B 11 88%10 87%13 66% C,D,F 2 12%2 13%7 34% MONTEREY COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 83%NO DATA NO DATA 6 100% B 1 17%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 6 100%NO DATA NO DATA 6 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 7 95%6 92%5 84% B 0 5%1 8%0 0% C 0 0%0 0%0 6% D 0 0%0 0%0 0% F 0 0%0 0%1 9% A+B 8 100%6 100%5 84% C,D,F 0 0%0 0%1 16% 30 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 San Luis Obispo County Summer Dry Grades were outstanding with 100% of the beaches receiving A grades. Wet Weather Grades were also exceptional with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is above average for this county. Winter Dry Grades were also exemplary and above average with 100% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. This excellent performance has resulted in seven beaches on the Honor Roll this year. The majority of them are in the Pismo Beach area. San Luis Obispo County received 11 inches of rain, which is about the same as the average historical rainfall total. There were seven sewage spills into water bodies amounting to 2,964 gallons. A 520-gallon sewage spill in June near Palisades Park should have resulted in a public health advisory, but it did not. Santa Barbara County Summer Dry Grades were excellent with 94% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were exceptionally good and far above the average this year with 94% receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were superb and above average with 100% of the beaches earning A and B grades for a second straight year. Guadalupe Dunes returned to the Honor Roll for a fourth consecutive year. El Capitan also made its return for the second time. East Beach at Sycamore Creek along with Sands at Coal Oil Point also made it on the list of cleanest beaches in the state. Santa Barbara County received nine inches of rain, which is below the historical average of 11 inches. This may account for the improved Wet Weather Grades. Three sewage spills totaling 5,634 gallons flowed into storm drains, rivers, lakes, or the ocean. No ocean beaches were impacted by these sewage spills. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 19 100%18 95%19 100% B 0 0%1 5%0 0% C 0 0%0 0%0 0% D 0 0%0 0%0 0% F 0 0%0 0%0 0% A+B 19 100%19 100%19 100% C,D,F 0 0%0 0%0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 18 97%18 96%14 75% B 1 3%0 2%3 18% C 0 0%0 2%0 2% D 0 0%0 0%0 2% F 0 0%0 0%1 3% A+B 18 100%19 98%18 93% C,D,F 0 0%0 2%1 7% SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 15 94%16 100%15 94% B 0 0%0 0%0 0% C 1 6%0 0%0 0% D 0 0%0 0%1 6% F 0 0%0 0%0 0% A+B 15 94%16 100%15 94% C,D,F 1 6%0 0%1 6% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 14 84%13 83%4 26% B 2 9%1 9%2 10% C 1 5%0 3%2 10% D 0 2%0 0%2 15% F 0 0%1 5%6 39% A+B 15 94%14 92%6 36% C,D,F 1 6%1 8%10 64% 31 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Ventura County Even though Summer Dry Grades were superlative with 97% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, they were still slightly below the five year average of 99%. We are heartened that Ventura County sets such a high bar for summer water quality. Wet Weather Grades were great and above average this year with 87% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Ventura County did not monitor its beaches often enough in winter months to receive Winter Dry Grades, and consequently, no beaches from this County were eligible for the Honor Roll. This is unusual for Ventura County and we urge them to return to their typical winter monitoring schedule. Ventura County received 11 inches of rain, which is a little above the historical average of 10 inches. Ventura County had four sewage spills reach bodies of water, totalling 60,822 gallons. No beaches were reportedly impacted. Los Angeles County Los Angeles County had excellent Summer Dry Grades with 90% of the County’s beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were flunking with only 46% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is just above average for the County. Winter Dry Grades were good yet slightly below average with 83% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Six Los Angeles County beaches made it on the esteemed Honor Roll list. Most of them are in the Malibu and Rancho Palos Verdes areas. Three L.A. County beaches made it on our Beach Bummer list. Two locations at Marina Del Rey Mother’s Beach were Beach Bummers this year. Santa Monica Pier earned fourth place on the Bummer List. L.A. County received 9 inches of rain, which is about the same as the historical average. Eighty-nine sewage spills sent an alarming volume of 20,322,566 gallons into bodies of water. The major spills at Hyperion and Carson, combined, sent 20 million gallons into the ocean and led to multiple beach closures. Five spills occurred upstream from L.A. River Recreation Zones during the open recreation season but no closures were issued. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES VENTURA COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 34 97%NO DATA NO DATA 26 87% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 1 3%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 3% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 3 10% A+B 34 97%NO DATA NO DATA 26 87% C,D,F 1 3%NO DATA NO DATA 4 13% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 39 99%15 92%23 73% B 0 0%1 4%2 8% C 0 1%0 2%3 8% D 0 0%0 2%0 1% F 0 0%0 0%3 9% A+B 39 99%16 95%26 81% C,D,F 0 1%1 5%6 19% LOS ANGELES COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 79 85%65 81%27 28% B 5 5%1 1%17 18% C 3 3%7 9%13 14% D 3 3%0 0%3 3% F 3 3%7 9%36 38% A+B 84 90%66 83%44 46% C,D,F 9 10%14 18%52 54% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 79 86%66 74%32 33% B 7 7%11 12%10 10% C 3 3%6 7%6 7% D 2 2%2 2%8 8% F 1 1%4 4%41 42% A+B 85 94%77 86%42 43% C,D,F 6 6%12 14%55 57% 32 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Orange County Summer Dry Grades were excellent and just above the five-year average with 99% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were also better than average with 66% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were stellar with 95% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. A total of 19 beaches made it on the Honor Roll, which is more than any other county. However, Orange County had one beach that ended up on the Beach Bummer list: Newport Bay, Vaughn’s Launch. This location is impacted by a nearby creek outlet. Natural populations of birds are suspected to be a source of high bacteria concentrations, but more investigation is necessary. Orange County received 7 inches of rain, which is lower than the historical average of 9 inches. The decrease in rainfall did not appear to impact Wet Weather Grades. There were 13 sewage spills reported across the County that sent 6,719 gallons of sewage into bodies of water. A 250-gallon spill closed Huntington Harbor Beaches temporarily. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES San Clemente Pier / Orange County ORANGE COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 121 96%101 86%73 53% B 4 3%10 9%17 12% C 0 0%4 3%19 14% D 0 0%1 1%9 7% F 1 1%1 1%19 14% A+B 125 99%111 95%90 66% C,D,F 1 1%6 5%47 34% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 111 92%104 88%47 42% B 5 4%7 6%11 10% C 2 2%3 3%7 6% D 1 1%1 1%9 9% F 1 1%3 3%37 33% A+B 117 97%111 94%57 52% C,D,F 4 3%7 6%53 48% 33 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 San Diego County Summer Dry Grades were good and slightly higher than the five- year average with 96% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were good and above average with 85% of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Winter Dry Grades were outstanding with 90% of beaches receiving A and B grades, which is about the same as average. A total of 15 beaches made it on the Honor Roll, which is the second most after Orange County. The Tijuana Slough North of Tijuana River Mouth ended up on the Beach Bummer list. Millions of gallons of untreated sewage regularly flow into the ocean via the Tijuana River. Most of the sewage enters the river in the City of Tijuana where there are many sewage infrastructure problems. San Diego County received 8 inches of rain last year, which is slightly lower than the historical average of 9 inches. This decrease in rainfall may account for the above average Wet Weather Grades, however the difference in rainfall compared to last year was small. There were 26 sewage spills into water bodies amounting to 78,684 gallons. Two events totaling 1,600 gallons spilled into Mission Bay and resulted in health advisories for the area. II WEST COAST SUMMARY CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES SAN DIEGO COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 75 89%39 81%63 72% B 6 7%4 8%11 13% C 1 1%0 0%2 2% D 1 1%3 6%6 7% F 1 1%2 4%5 6% A+B 81 96%43 90%74 85% C,D,F 3 4%5 10%13 15% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 63 88%43 82%40 66% B 5 7%4 8%6 9% C 3 4%2 3%3 5% D 1 1%1 2%3 5% F 1 1%2 5%9 15% A+B 68 94%47 90%45 75% C,D,F 4 6%5 10%15 25% Torrey Pines State Beach / San Diego County 34 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality monitors water quality at ocean beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day and tests for one fecal indicator bacteria, Enterococcus. This is in contrast to California, which requires three indicator bacteria to be tested from April 1 to October 31 every year. Funding for ocean beach monitoring in Oregon comes entirely from the U.S. EPA’s Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act). Cannon Beach / Clatsop County OREGON COUNTY SUMMARIES II WEST COAST SUMMARY Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. Most years, we are unable to grade the majority of Oregon beaches due to a lack of sampling. Our methodology requires that beaches must be sampled for at least 75% of the weeks in their summer season — defined as Memorial Day through Labor Day. We encourage the State of Oregon to provide additional funding for increased ocean water quality monitoring to meet this minimum requirement and be more protective of public health. No Oregon beaches were monitored frequently enough to receive a Summer Dry Grade, and no beaches were monitored during the winter months. Only six counties received Wet Weather grades, and only 57% of the beaches received A and B grades, which is lower than the state’s historical average of 79%. We are disheartened by the lack of monitoring taking place in Oregon, and we urge state officials to devote more resources to this public health issue. 35 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY OREGON COUNTY SUMMARIES CLATSOP COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 20% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 4 80% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 5 100% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 2 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 79% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 7% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 7% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 7% A+B 2 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 86% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 14% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 1 40% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 30% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 10% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 20% A+B 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 1 70% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 30% COOS COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 2 50% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 3 75% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 2 82%NO DATA NO DATA 4 76% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 8% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 8% D 0 9%NO DATA NO DATA 0 8% F 0 9%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 2 82%NO DATA NO DATA 4 84% C,D,F 0 18%NO DATA NO DATA 1 16% LINCOLN COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 6 75% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 13% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 6 75% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 2 25% OREGON 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 12 52% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 3 13% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 6 26% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 13 57% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 10 43% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 92%NO DATA NO DATA 9 70% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 9% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% D 0 4%NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% F 0 4%NO DATA NO DATA 2 12% A+B 5 92%NO DATA NO DATA 11 79% C,D,F 0 8%NO DATA NO DATA 3 21% 36 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Seaside / Clatsop County II WEST COAST SUMMARY OREGON COUNTY SUMMARIES TILLAMOOK COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 3 75% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 3 75% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 1 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% CURRY COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 33% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 67% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 33% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 67% LANE COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 100% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 56% B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 44% A+B NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 56% C,D,F NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 1 44% 37 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Washington’s Department of Ecology monitors water quality at ocean beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day and tests for one fecal indicator bacteria, Enterococcus. This is in contrast to California, which requires three indicator bacteria to be tested from April 1 to October 31 every year. Approximately 80% of the funding for ocean beach monitoring in the State comes from the BEACH Act, and the remaining 20% of funding comes from the U.S. EPA’s National Estuary Program’s Pathogen Prevention, Reduction, and Control Grant. The Makah Tribe in Clallam County also conducts beach monitoring through separate BEACH Program Tribal funding. Unlike the rest of the state, the Makah Tribe monitors beaches on a weekly basis. We commend the Makah Tribe for their robust monitoring, and we call on the Washington Department of Ecology to increase monitoring across the rest of the state. Summer Dry Grades were mediocre with 79% of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is far below the average of 96%. Wet Weather Grades were exceptional and equal to the historical average with 94% receiving A and B grades. Unfortunately, no First Beach / Olympic National Park Washington beaches were monitored during the winter months so we could not calculate Winter Dry Grades. We urge the State of Washington and the Makah Tribe to ensure beaches are adequately monitored during winter months. WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES II WEST COAST SUMMARY Note: All averages below refer to the five-year-average unless otherwise indicated. 38 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES WASHINGTON 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 103 74%NO DATA NO DATA 144 88% B 7 5%NO DATA NO DATA 10 6% C 12 9%NO DATA NO DATA 2 1% D 10 7%NO DATA NO DATA 4 2% F 8 6%NO DATA NO DATA 3 2% A+B 110 79%NO DATA NO DATA 154 94% C,D,F 30 21%NO DATA NO DATA 9 6% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 148 93%NO DATA NO DATA 121 91% B 4 3%NO DATA NO DATA 4 3% C 2 2%NO DATA NO DATA 4 3% D 2 1%NO DATA NO DATA 1 1% F 3 2%NO DATA NO DATA 3 2% A+B 152 96%NO DATA NO DATA 125 94% C,D,F 7 4%NO DATA NO DATA 8 6% CLALLAM COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 6 75%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% B 2 25%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 8 100%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 13 94%9 100%15 92% B 0 3%0 0%1 7% C 0 3%0 0%0 1% D 0 0%0 0%0 0% F 0 0%0 0%0 0% A+B 13 97%9 100%17 99% C,D,F 0 3%0 0%0 1% KITSAP COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 24 73%NO DATA NO DATA 27 82% B 1 3%NO DATA NO DATA 3 9% C 2 6%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 6 18%NO DATA NO DATA 3 9% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 25 76%NO DATA NO DATA 30 91% C,D,F 8 24%NO DATA NO DATA 3 9% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 33 97%NO DATA NO DATA 32 93% B 1 3%NO DATA NO DATA 1 2% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 3% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 1% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 1% A+B 34 100%NO DATA NO DATA 32 96% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 2 4% SKAGIT COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 3 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 3 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 2 92%NO DATA NO DATA 2 69% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 6% C 0 8%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 6% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 19% A+B 2 92%NO DATA NO DATA 2 75% C,D,F 0 8%NO DATA NO DATA 1 25% 39 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES SNOHOMISH COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 11 73%NO DATA NO DATA 18 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 2 13%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 1 7%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 1 7%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 11 73%NO DATA NO DATA 18 100% C,D,F 4 27%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 15 99%NO DATA NO DATA 13 83% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 7% C 0 1%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 3% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 2% A+B 15 99%NO DATA NO DATA 14 90% C,D,F 0 1%NO DATA NO DATA 2 10% WHATCOM COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 2 33%NO DATA NO DATA 8 80% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 10% C 2 33%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 2 33%NO DATA NO DATA 1 10% A+B 2 33%NO DATA NO DATA 9 90% C,D,F 4 67%NO DATA NO DATA 1 10% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 3 58%NO DATA NO DATA 6 80% B 1 13%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 4%NO DATA NO DATA 0 6% D 0 8%NO DATA NO DATA 0 3% F 1 17%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% A+B 3 71%NO DATA NO DATA 6 80% C,D,F 1 29%NO DATA NO DATA 1 20% KING COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 11 73%NO DATA NO DATA 27 90% B 1 7%NO DATA NO DATA 3 10% C 1 7%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 2 13%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 12 80%NO DATA NO DATA 30 100% C,D,F 3 20%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 24 93%NO DATA NO DATA 26 91% B 1 3%NO DATA NO DATA 1 3% C 0 1%NO DATA NO DATA 1 4% D 0 2%NO DATA NO DATA 1 2% F 0 2%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 25 96%NO DATA NO DATA 27 94% C,D,F 1 4%NO DATA NO DATA 2 6% ISLAND COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 8 89%NO DATA NO DATA 7 78% B 1 11%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% A+B 9 100%NO DATA NO DATA 8 89% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 64%NO DATA NO DATA 8 91% B 1 10%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 1 10%NO DATA NO DATA 0 3% D 0 3%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 1 13%NO DATA NO DATA 1 6% A+B 6 74%NO DATA NO DATA 8 91% C,D,F 2 26%NO DATA NO DATA 1 9% 40 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES JEFFERSON COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 4 44%NO DATA NO DATA 8 89% B 1 11%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 1 11%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% D 3 33%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 5 56%NO DATA NO DATA 8 89% C,D,F 4 44%NO DATA NO DATA 1 11% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 85%NO DATA NO DATA 5 95% B 0 4%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 4%NO DATA NO DATA 0 5% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 7%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 5 89%NO DATA NO DATA 5 95% C,D,F 1 11%NO DATA NO DATA 0 5% Ruby Beach / Jefferson County 41 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 II WEST COAST SUMMARY WASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES GRAY’S HARBOR COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 9 100%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 9 100%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 9 100%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 9 100%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% PIERCE COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 20 95%NO DATA NO DATA 16 76% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 2 10% C 1 5%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% A+B 20 95%NO DATA NO DATA 18 86% C,D,F 1 5%NO DATA NO DATA 3 14% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 26 99%NO DATA NO DATA 15 94% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 1% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% D 0 1%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 26 99%NO DATA NO DATA 15 95% C,D,F 0 1%NO DATA NO DATA 1 5% MASON COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 5 56%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% B 1 11%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 3 33%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 6 67%NO DATA NO DATA 9 100% C,D,F 3 33%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 9 98%NO DATA NO DATA 6 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 2%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 9 98%NO DATA NO DATA 6 100% C,D,F 0 2%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% THURSTON COUNTY 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 3 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 3 100% C,D,F 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 5 YEAR AVERAGE Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE #%#%#% A 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% D 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% A+B 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA 2 100% C,D,F 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA 0 0% 42 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 The Tijuana area has many beaches that are important for recreation and tourism in a city of over 2 million people. We obtained weekly monitoring data from the County of San Diego for three beaches in the Tijuana area: Playa El Faro, Playa El Vigia, and Playa Blanca. Unfortunately, we found concerning levels of pollution at all three beaches. El Faro and El Vigia both received a D for Summer Dry Grades, while Playa Blanca received a F and ended up on our Beach Bummer list. All three beaches received F’s for Wet Weather and Winter Dry Grades. These poor marks are not good for local beachgoers or the tourism economy. This stretch of coastline is heavily impacted by sewage pollution year-round, even during dry weather. The main source is the Punta Bandera treatment plant located south of the city. This plant collects sewage from the city in several large ponds near the ocean, and periodically releases the untreated or partially treated sewage into the ocean.13 Prevailing currents carry sewage pollution north to the Tijuana beaches as well as Imperial Beach. Deteriorating infrastructure is another issue in the area. In early 2022, a sewer main carrying sewage to the International Wastewater Treatment Plant was ruptured and allowed millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into the Tijuana River over the course of four months.14 Improvement projects are funded and underway,15 but the scale of the problem is immense and will take time to correct. There is an urgent need for Mexico and the United States to swiftly work together to address sewage pollution in Tijuana. Rosarita Beach, Tijuana, Mexico II WEST COAST SUMMARY TIJUANA,MEXICO SUMMARY 13 https://wildcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Issue-Briefing-Tijuana-River-Pollution.pdf 14 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sandiego/water_issues/programs/tijuana_river_valley_strat- egy/spill_report.html 15 https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/tijuana-river-watershed-technical- evaluation-infrastructure TIJUANA, MEXICO 2021–2022 Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather GRADE # %# %# % A 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA C 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA D 2 67%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA F 1 33%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA A+B 0 0%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA C,D,F 3 100%NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 43 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Beach News Hyperion Reclamation Plant / Los Angeles County 44 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Big Spills This past year highlighted many of the threats to our beaches and by extension, our quality of life. Over the last year, West Coast waters suffered from several catastrophic pollution discharges that endangered public health and our coastal ecosystems. This ‘summer of spills’ included a 13 million gallon sewage spill16 from Los Angeles’ Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant; a seven million gallon sewage spill17 into the Dominguez Channel, which flows into the ocean near Long Beach, California; and close to one billion gallons of sewage- contaminated water flowed into the Pacific Ocean due to a structure failure at the International Wastewater Treatment Plant north of Tijuana, Mexico. In addition to sewage spills, 2021 also saw two other spills into waterways that impacted public health. In October, 25,000 gallons of oil leaked from a pipeline off the coast of Huntington Beach, California.18 Only a small portion of the oil was recovered so most of it is still in the ocean or in the intertidal zone. Later that month, after a fire, runoff that was contaminated with chemicals from an industrial facility entered the Dominguez Channel in Carson, California (unrelated to the sewage spill) and impacted the surrounding communities with nuisance fumes.19 Each of these incidents posed a health risk to the surrounding communities, and all resulted in closed beaches, with the exception of the chemical spill. Decision makers must step up and significantly invest in infrastructure in addition to holding polluters accountable. Keeping Our Ocean Safe and Clean The good news about water quality at our beaches is that we know how to reduce the most common inputs of fecal pollution. A watershed-wide nature-based approach is our best bet for keeping our waters clean and safe in addition to sewage infrastructure upgrades. Green infrastructure spaced throughout our communities will provide cleaner water; green space for communities to enjoy; and habitat for wildlife. Los Angeles County has created a model program for improving coastal and inland water quality using a multi-benefit approach. In 2018, Los Angeles County voters set Measure W into law, which created the Safe, Clean Water Program.20 This program aims to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health by focusing efforts on multi-benefit projects in communities that have been identified as severely III BEACH NEWS LA-River-Sepulveda-Basin / Los Angeles County 16 https://healthebay.org/july-2021-sewage-spill-in-santa-monica-bay-and-beach-closures/ 17 https://www.lacsd.org/about-us/carson-sewage-spill 18 https://wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/NRDA/Pipeline-P00547 19 https://www.aqmd.gov/home/news-events/community-investigations/dominguez-channel 20 https://safecleanwaterla.org/ 45 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 disadvantaged with regards to access to green space and other socioeconomic factors. Multi- benefit projects are an efficient and effective use of our taxpayer dollars that serve both community and environmental needs. Programs such as this will be increasingly important for creating local water supplies as drought conditions in California continue to worsen. Assembly Bill (AB) 1066 Unlike ocean beaches, there is no statewide oversight, standardization, or funding for FIB monitoring, nor are there mandated public water quality notifications for freshwater swimming and recreation areas. In October 2021, California Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed AB 1066 into law. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Bloom and sponsored by Heal the Bay, tasks the California Water Quality Monitoring Council with defining and identifying high-priority freshwater recreation sites across the state as well as making recommendations for an appropriate monitoring program for these sites. AB 1066 is a critical first step in establishing a monitoring and public notification mandate, similar to the mandate of AB 411 for ocean beaches, to achieve public health protections for freshwater. Heal the Bay will support implementation of AB 1066, and advocate for further legislation requiring monitoring and public advisories for freshwater recreation areas. Wildfires, Water Quality, and Climate Change Heal the Bay partnered with scientists from UCLA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Remote Sensing Lab on a study investigating the impacts of the 2018 Woolsey Fire on beach water quality.21 The results showed that beaches experienced elevated levels of bacteria and sediment in the water for several months after the fire was extinguished. The fire left the coastal watershed of Malibu devoid of vegetation, allowing large amounts of soil and bacteria to wash into the ocean. The resulting increase in ocean turbidity likely caused bacteria to persist in the water longer because the bacteria were not getting sterilized by the sun’s rays. This research is important in that it is among the first studies to shed light on the potential for wildfires to create unsafe conditions for recreation in the ocean. We plan to pursue this research further especially as climate change III BEACH NEWS continues to increase the intensity, frequency, and size of wildfires. Funding Shoreline Monitoring Programs The U.S. EPA’s Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act22 (BEACH Act) was passed in 2000 and provides funding for recreational water quality monitoring at ocean and Great Lakes beaches. Some states, such as Oregon, rely solely on this funding to sustain their monitoring program. Without the BEACH Act funding, many states would abandon their beach monitoring programs, which would be devastating to public health. Millions of people could get sick by unknowingly exposing themselves to poor water quality. The economic cost would also be severe as coastal recreation and tourism generates well over $100 billion annually23. Unfortunately, the amount of money Congress allocates to the BEACH Act has not increased significantly since it was adopted in 2000. The Federal Government must increase funding for the BEACH Act so coastal states can keep their communities and visitors safe and healthy. Surfrider 21 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05945-x 22 https://www.epa.gov/beach-tech/about-beach-act 23 https://coast.noaa.gov/data/digitalcoast/pdf/econ-report.pdf 46 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 III BEACH NEWS Foundation is leading the effort to increase federal spending for water quality monitoring.24 States will also likely need to take local action to maintain a robust recreational water quality program moving forward. California funds statewide beach monitoring programs with BEACH Act resources as well as Senate Bill 482 (SB 482), which funds two- thirds of the non-regulatory based shoreline monitoring in the State. SB 482 allocation is overseen by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). However, the funds provided are not sufficient as there are many beaches that do not get monitored, and many counties do not conduct monitoring year round. NowCast Update For the eighth summer, Heal the Bay is providing daily water quality predictions for California Beaches at the Beach Report Card with NowCast website and application. NowCast predicts concentrations of bacteria in the water on a daily basis, thus providing additional information to the public and filling in the time gaps of traditional bacteria sampling. To make daily predictions, we use computer models to examine correlations between environmental conditions (such as temperature and tide) and historical bacteria concentrations. Our NowCast models then predict with a high accuracy how much bacteria are present in the water given the current local conditions and are verified with sampling data. Visit beachreportcard.org to find daily summer predictions for 25 beaches in California. The Beach Report Card with NowCast app is available for free on iOS and Android devices. The Beach Report Card and Access to Water Recreation Water recreation, whether it be at a park or a beach, is vital to good quality of life and public health. The Beach Report Card and River Report Card programs are essential tools for keeping water users safe, but we must acknowledge that the report cards have, thus far, been limited in scope. Our report cards are only useful for individuals who have access to safe, healthy, and clean water recreation areas. Communities who are primarily Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, and people of color experience many barriers to accessing water recreation spaces and outdoor activities. These barriers include socioeconomic inequities; a disproportionate burden of pollution; the lack of inclusiveness in water recreation opportunities; and the threat of racism in outdoor spaces, among many other systemic issues. We believe it is an inherent right for everyone to have access to water recreation, and therefore, we need to reduce and remove barriers to these opportunities and spaces. The Beach Report Card and River Report Card have not addressed this issue before. We acknowledge this as a major shortcoming in our efforts to promote good water quality and protect public health at our beaches and rivers. Heal the Bay is committed to expanding the user base of our Beach Report Card and River Report Card. We have started by working with local community-based organizations that are taking down barriers to water recreation for communities of color. Through this work, we will amplify what "safe, healthy, and clean access to water recreation" means in the communities where it is needed the most. 24 https://www.surfrider.org/pages/support-clean-water-programs-in-epas-fy2023-budget 47 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 SECTION V: APPENDICES A // BEACH BUMMER HISTORY .................................................46 B // ALL GRADES BY COUNTY ...................................................48 C // FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ..................................64 D // METHODOLOGY .....................................................................66 E // ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CREDITS ................................68 appendices 2021-2022 IV APPENDICES Point Dume / Los Angeles County 48 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 2011–2012 2012–2013 2013–2014 2014–2015 Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Avalon Catalina Island LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Avalon Catalina Island LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Marina Lagoon, Aquatic Park & Lakeshore Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Marina del Rey, Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Poche Beach ORANGE COUNTY Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Topanga State Beach LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside l LOS ANGELES COUNTY Aquatic Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Poche Beach ORANGE COUNTY Malibu Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Stillwater Cove MONTEREY COUNTY Mission Bay, Visitor’s Center at Clairemont Dr. SAN DIEGO COUNTY Doheny State Beach, at San Juan Creek ORANGE COUNTY Marina Lagoon, Aquatic Park & Lakeshore Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Arroyo Burro SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Doheny State Beach, at San Juan Creek ORANGE COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Candlestick Point, Sunnydale Cove SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Baker Beach, at Lobos Creek SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Redondo Beach Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor, at Westpoint Ave. LOS ANGELES COUNTY Stillwater Cove, at Beach and Tennis Club MONTEREY COUNTY Colorado Lagoon LOS ANGELES COUNTY Windsurfer Circle SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Capitola Beach, west of jetty l SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Capitola Beach, west of jetty SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Tijuana River Mouth SAN DIEGO COUNTY Windsurfer Circle SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Huntington State Beach, projection of Brookhurst Street ORANGE COUNTY 2015–2016 2016–2017 2017–2018 Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Poche Beach, at creek outlet ORANGE COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY San Clemente Pier ORANGE COUNTY Lakeshore Park, behind Rec Center SAN MATEO COUNTY San Diego Bay Shelter Island, Shoreline Beach Park SAN DIEGO COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Linda Mar Beach, at San Pedro Creek SAN MATEO COUNTY Monarch Beach, at Salt Creek ORANGE COUNTY Newport Bay Abalone Avenue Beach ORANGE COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Lakeshore Park, behind Rec Center SAN MATEO COUNTY Roosevelt Beach, south end of parking lot SAN MATEO COUNTY Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY La Jolla Cove SAN DIEGO COUNTY Luffenholtz Beach, near Luffenholtz Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Redondo Municipal Pier, 100 yards south LOS ANGELES COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Santa Monica Pier LOS ANGELES COUNTY Candlestick Point Sunnydale Cove SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Capitola Beach, west of jetty SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor, end of Westpoint Ave. SAN MATEO COUNTY Luffenholtz Beach, near Luffenholtz Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Pismo Beach Pier, 40 feet south of the pier SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY Surfer’s Beach, southend of riprap SAN MATEO COUNTY Last 10 Years Beach Bummers: 2011–2021 IV APPENDIX / A BEACH BUMMER HISTORY F 49 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 2018–2019 2019–2020 2020–2021 San Clemente Pier ORANGE COUNTY Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, at San Vicente Creek Outlet SAN MATEO COUNTY Tijuana Slough NWRS, Tijuana River mouth SAN DIEGO COUNTY Clam Beach, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Poche Beach, at Creek Outlet ORANGE COUNTY Foster City, Erckenbrack Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Linda Mar Beach, at San Pedro Creek SAN MATEO COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor, at Capistrano Ave. SAN MATEO COUNTY Capitola Beach, west of jetty. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Long Beach City Beach, projection of Coronado Ave. LOS ANGELESCOUNTY Foster City, Erckenbrack Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Foster City, Gull Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Topanga Beach, at Creek Outlet LOS ANGELES COUNTY Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY Monarch Beach, at Salt Creek ORANGE COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor Beach SAN MATEO COUNTY Tijuana Slough NWRS, 3/4 miles north of Tijuana River SAN DIEGO COUNTY Marina del Rey, Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock LOS ANGELES COUNTY Linda Mar, at San Pedro Creek Outlet SAN MATEO COUNTY Clam Beach County Park, at Strawberry Creek HUMBOLDT COUNTY Cabrillo Beach Harborside LOS ANGELES COUNTY Mission Bay, Vacation Isle North Cove SAN DIEGO COUNTY Foster City, Marlin Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Keller Beach South Beach CONTRA COSTA COUNTY San Clemente Pier ORANGE COUNTY Candlestick Point, Windsurfer Circle SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Aquatic Park SAN MATEO COUNTY Pillar Point Harbor, at Westpoint Ave. SAN MATEO COUNTY East Beach, at Mission Creek SANTA BARBARA COUNTY IV APPENDIX / A BEACH BUMMER HISTORY F 50 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Summer Dry Grade Winter Dry Grade Wet Weather Grade ALAMEDA COUNTY Crown Beach, at Bath House A+B Crown Beach, at Windsurfer Corner A+F Crown Beach, at Sunset Rd.A D Crown Beach, at 2001 Shoreline Dr.A+C Crown Beach, at Bird Sanctuary A D Crown Beach, Crab Cove A C CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Keller Beach, North Beach B C Keller Beach, South Beach A F DEL NORTE COUNTY Crescent City - Battery Point Lighthouse A+D HUMBOLDT COUNTY Trinidad State Beach, at Mill Creek A D Luffenholtz Beach, at Luffenholtz Creek D F Moonstone County Park (Little River State Beach)F F Clam Beach County Park, at Strawberry Creek D F Mad River Mouth (north)A+A+ LOS ANGELES COUNTY Long Beach City Beach, at 55th Place A A B Long Beach City Beach, at 72nd Place A A B Alamitos Bay, at shore float A D Long Beach Mother’s Beach, north end A C Colorado Lagoon, south B C Colorado Lagoon, north B C Alamitos Bay, at 56th Place on bayside A A+ Long Beach City Beach, at 5th Place A B F Long Beach City Beach, at 10th Place A C F Long Beach City Beach, at Molino Ave.B C F Long Beach City Beach, at Granada Ave.A A+ Alamitos Bay, at 2nd St. Bridge and Bayshore A+A+ Long Beach City Beach, at Coronado Ave.A A F Belmont Pier, west side A A F Long Beach City Beach, at Prospect Ave.B C B Cabrillo Beach, harborside at boat launch A A C Cabrillo Beach, harborside at restrooms D F F Big Rock Beach, at stairs A+ Malibu Pier, 50 yards east of pier A+F Malibu Point A+A A+ Santa Monica Beach, at Strand St. A+A F Venice City Beach, at Brooks Ave. drain A+A+A+ Venice Beach, 50 yards south of Fishing Pier A+A+A Venice Beach, at Topsail St.A A F Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, at playground D F F Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard Tower and Boat dock F F F Dockweiler State Beach, at World Way A+A+F Hyperion Treatment Plant, at One Mile Outfall A+A+F IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 51 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Dockweiler State Beach, at Grand Ave. A+A F Hermosa City Beach, at 26th Street A+A+A Redondo State Beach, at Topaz Street A A C Avalon Beach - 100 feet east of the Green Pleasure Pier A Avalon Beach, 50 feet east of the Green Pleasure Pier A+F Avalon Beach, 50 feet west of the Green Pleasure Pier A A+ Avalon Beach, 100 feet west of the Green Pleasure Pier A A+ Avalon Beach, east of the Casino Arch at the steps A A+ Manhattan Beach, at 28th Street A A F Herondo Street (Redondo Breakwater)A A F Rancho Palos Verdes, Long Point A+A+A+ Rancho Palos Verdes, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park A A+A+ Rancho Palos Verdes, Portuguese Bend Cove A A+A+ Royal Palms State Beach A+A+A+ Cabrillo Beach, ocean side A+A A Palos Verdes Estates, at Palos Verdes Cove A A+B Palos Verdes Estates, at Malaga Cove rocks A A+B Basin D, near first slip outside swim area (from surface)A A C Basin D, near first slip outside swim area (at depth)A A B Basin E, in front of tide gate from Oxford Basin D A F Basin E, center of basin (from surface)C A+F Basin E, center of basin (at depth)A A C Basin E, in front of Boone-Olive Pump Outlet C B F Back of main channel (from surface)A A+F Back of main channel (at depth)A A+C Basin F, center of basin (from surface)A A+D Basin F, center of basin (at depth)A+A+B Surfrider Beach, at lagoon breach A C F Dockweiler State Beach, at Culver Blvd.A A F Manhattan State Beach, at 40th Street A A+A+ Hermosa Beach Pier, 50 yards south of pier A A A+ Palos Verdes Estates, at Malaga Cove trail outlet A+A+A+ Topanga Beach, at creek mouth A F F Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, at lifeguard tower F F F Leo Carrillo Beach, at Arroyo Sequit Creek A+C A+ Dan Blocker County Beach, at Solstice Canyon A+C D Puerco State Beach, at creek mouth A+A B Marie Canyon storm drain, at Puerco Beach A A B Carbon Beach, at Sweetwater Canyon A+A C Las Flores State Beach, at Las Flores Creek A+A+B Las Tunas County Beach, at Pena Creek A+A+A+ Tuna Canyon A+ Broad Beach, at Trancas Creek A+A+C Zuma Beach, at Zuma Creek A+A B Walnut Creek Outlet, at Wildlife Road A+A F Paradise Cove Pier, at Ramirez Canyon Creek A A B Escondido State Beach, at Escondido Creek A+A C Latigo Canyon Creek mouth A A B IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 52 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Castle Rock Beach, at storm drain C A F Dockweiler State Beach, at North Weschester storm drain A A F Dockweiler State Beach, at Imperial Highway storm drain A A F Will Rogers State Beach, at Pulga Canyon storm drain A A C Will Rogers State Beach, Bel Air Bay Club B A B Will Rogers State Beach, at Temescal Canyon A A+B Will Rogers State Beach, at Santa Monica Canyon A A F Santa Monica Beach, at Montana Ave.A+A+B Santa Monica Beach, at Wilshire Blvd.A B C Santa Monica Pier F F F Santa Monica Beach, at Pico-Kenter storm drain A F F Ocean Park Beach, at Ashland Ave. storm drain A A F Venice Beach, at Rose Ave.A+A F Venice Beach, at Windward Ave. A A F Nicholas Beach, at San Nicholas Canyon Creek A+A+A+ Manhattan Beach Pier A A+B Redondo Beach Pier, 100 yards south of pier A C A+ Redondo State Beach, at Sapphire Street A A A+ Torrance Beach, at Avenue I storm drain A+A A+ Dockweiler State Beach, at Ballona Creek mouth A A F MARIN COUNTY Dillon Beach A+A Millerton Point A+F Drake’s Beach A B Drakes Estero B F Bolinas Beach, at Wharf Rd.A A Stinson Beach, North A A+ Stinson Beach, Central A+A+ Stinson Beach, South A+A+ Lawson’s Landing A F Muir Beach, North A+A+ Muir Beach, Central A+A+ Muir Beach, South A+A+ Rodeo Beach, North A+A+ Rodeo Beach, Central A+A+ Rodeo Beach, South A+A+ Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove SW A+B Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove NW A+C Baker Beach, Horseshoe Cove NE A+C Schoonmaker Beach A+B Miller Park A+F Paradise Cove A+B China Camp A C McNears Beach A B Heart’s Desire A+F Shell Beach A+F Chicken Ranch Beach at Channel.F Chicken Ranch Beach, at Creek mouth A F IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 53 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 MENDOCINO COUNTY Pudding Creek Outlet A A+ Hare Creek A A+ Caspar Beach, at Caspar Creek A A+ Big River at PCH A A+ Van Damme State Park, at Little River A+A+ MONTEREY COUNTY San Carlos Beach, at San Carlos Beach Park A A+ Lover’s Point Park, at 16th Street B A+ Asilomar State Beach, at Arena Ave.A A+ Spanish Bay (Moss Beach), at 17 mile drive A+A+ Stillwater Cove, at Beach and Tennis Club A A+ Carmel City Beach, at Ocean Ave.A A+ ORANGE COUNTY Dana Point Harbor Fuel Dock A+A A+ Dana Point Harbor Pier A A A+ Dana Point Harbor Baby Beach, West End A C A+ Dana Point Harbor Baby Beach, Buoy Line A B A+ Dana Point Harbor Baby Beach, Swim Area A C A+ Dana Point Harbor Baby Beach, East End A A A+ Dana Point Harbor, Pilgrim Dock A A A+ Dana Point Harbor Youth Dock A+A+A+ Huntington Harbor, 11th Street Beach A+F Huntington Harbour, Anaheim Bay-Gas Dock A F Huntington Harbor, Humboldt Beach A F Huntington Harbor, Seagate Lagoon A+A A+ Huntington Harbour, Admiralty Drive Beach A+A F Huntington Harbor, Trinidad Lane Beach A+F Huntington Harbour, Channel Beach A A F Huntington Harbor, Mothers Beach-Orange County A A F Huntington Harbor, Coral Cay Beach A+A F Newport Bay, Park Avenue Beach A A B Newport Bay, Onyx Avenue Beach A C C Newport Bay, Ruby Avenue Beach A A C Newport Bay, Bayshore Beach A A D Newport Bay, Via Genoa Beach A B Newport Bay, 43rd Street Beach A+A C Newport Bay, 38th Street Beach A A+C Newport Bay, 33rd Street Beach A+A C Newport Bay, Rhine Channel Beach A+A D Newport Bay, 19th Street Beach A+A C Newport Bay, 15th Street Beach A A B Newport Bay, 10th Street Beach A A C Newport Bay, Alvarado/ Bay Isle Beach A A C Newport Bay, Sapphire Avenue Beach A A C Newport Bay, Abalone Avenue Beach A A B Newport Bay, N Street Beach A A B Newport Bay, Newport Dunes-East A B D Newport Bay, Newport Dunes-Middle A A D IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 54 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Newport Bay, Newport Dunes-North A C D Newport Bay, Newport Dunes-West A+A D Newport Bay, Vaughns Launch F F F Newport Bay, North Star Beach A B D Newport Bay, Promontory Point A A+B Newport Bay, De Anza Beach A A C Newport Bay, Garnet Avenue Beach A B C Newport Bay, Lido Yacht Club Beach A A B Newport Bay, Harbor Patrol Beach at Bayside Drive A+A B Newport Bay, Grand Canal A A C Newport Bay, Newport Blvd Bridge A A C Newport Slough at Lancaster/62nd Street Beach A+A B Newport Slough, Grand Street Beach A+B Dana Point Harbor, Harbor Patrol Dock A A+A+ Dana Point Harbor Guest Dock A+A+A+ Dana Point Harbor, M Dock (East Basin)A A A+ Huntington Harbour, Clubhouse Marina A A F Huntington Harbour, Sunset Aquatic Park Beach A+A F Huntington Harbor, Davenport Beach A+F Huntington Harbour, Anderson Street Marina A F Dana Point, at Camino Estrella A+A+ Dana Point, South Capistrano Bay Community Beach A A+ Poche Beach A+A+A+ Diver’s Cove A A+ Pico drain at North Beach A A+ Mariposa Beach A+ Linda Lane Beach A+A A+ San Clemente Pier A A+ Riviera Beach A A+ Between Pearl & Agate Streets A+ Cleo Street A A+ Aliso Creek Ocean Interface A F West Street A+A San Juan Creek B B D Doheny Beach A+A+A+ Poche Creek Outlet B D A+ Little Corona Beach B B B Morch Beach, at Salt Creek A A+ Doheny State Beach, North Beach A A B Doheny State Beach, End of the Park A+A+A+ San Clemente Trafalgar Canyon A+A+ Pelican Point Beach A A+A+ Muddy Creek Beach A+A+B El Moro Beach A A+ Emerald Bay Beach A+A+ Laguna Main Beach A A A+ Lagu Hotel A A+ Projection of Bluebird Canyon B A+ Victoria Beach A A+A+ IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 55 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Doheny State Beach, at San Juan Creek A+A+C Doheny State Beach, at Last Campground A+A+A+ Laguna Beach, at Goff Island Beach A A A Corona Del Mar (CSDOC)A+A+A+ 2000 feet south of SERRA Outfall A+A A+ Crystal Cove (CSDOC)A+A+A+ Marine Science Institute Beach (SERRA)A+A+A+ Dana Point, Capistrano County Beach A+A+A+ Doheny State Beach, Pedestrian Bridge A+A+A+ Doheny State Beach, Mid Beach north of San Juan Creek A+A A+ Dana Strands Beach (AWMA)A+A+A+ Santa Ana River mouth A A F Huntington State Beach, at Brookhurst Street A A D Huntington State Beach, at Magnolia Street B B B Huntington State Beach, at Newland St. (SCE Plant)A A B Huntington City Beach, at Beach Blvd.A A C Huntington City Beach, at Huntington St.A A A Huntington City Beach, at 17th Street A+A+A+ Huntington City Beach, at Bluffs A+A A Bolsa Chica Reserve, at south end of beach A+A+A Bolsa Chica Reserve, at Flood Gates A+A+A+ Crescent Bay Beach A+A A+ Santa Ana River Mouth A A C Newport Beach, at Orange Street A+A+C Newport Beach, at 52nd/53rd Street A+A+C Newport Beach, at 38th Street A+A B Balboa Beach, at 15th/16th Street A+A B Balboa Beach Pier A+A+A Balboa Beach, The Wedge A A+A Crystal Cove A+A A+ Surfside Beach, at Sea Way A+A+A+ Seal Beach, at 1st Street A F Seal Beach, at 8th Street A B F Seal Beach, at 14th Street A A F Seal Beach Pier, 100 yards south of pier A A F San Clemente, North beach at Avenida Pico A+A A+ San Clemente, at El Portal stomr drain A+A+ San Clemente, South Linda Lane storm drain A+A+ San Clemente Pier, Lifeguard Building north A+B A+ San Clemente, at Avenida Calafia A+A+A+ San Clemente, at Avenida Las Palmeras A+A+ Salt Creek Beach A+A+A+ Three Arch Bay A+A+A 1000 Steps Beach, at 9th St.A A+A+ Laguna Lido A+A+A+ Table Rock A+A+A Camel Point A+A+A Aliso Creek, 1000 south of creek mouth A A+A Aliso Creek, at mouth A A+C IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 56 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 North Aliso County Beach A+A+A Treasure Island Beach A+A+A+ Monarch Beach, 150 feet north of Salt Creek mouth A A A+ Sunset Beach, at Broadway A A+A+ SAN DIEGO COUNTY Imperial Beach, at Cortez Ave.B B C Imperial Beach Pier A A C Coronado, projection of Loma Ave.F Coronado, at North Beach near Ocean Blvd.A+A B San Diego Bay, Tidelands Park at Mullinix Dr.B D San Diego Bay, Glorietta Bay Park at boat launch A A+ San Diego Bay, Silver Strand A+A+ San Diego Bay, Bayside Park at J Street A A+ San Diego Bay, Shelter Island (Shoreline Beach Park)A D F Pacific Beach, at Grand Ave.A+A+ La Jolla, at Palomar Ave.A A+ Windansea Beach, at Playa Del Norte A+A A+ La Jolla, at Vista De La Playa A+A+ La Jolla Ravina, south of Nicholson Pt.A+A+ La Jolla, South Casa Beach A A La Jolla, Children’s Pool site 2 F La Jolla, at Vallecitos A A+ La Jolla Shores Beach, Del Oro A+A+ La Jolla Shores, El Paseo Grande (near Scripps)A+A+ Del Mar, at 15th Street A+A+A+ Del Mar, San Dieguito River Beach A+A B Encinitas, San Elijo State Park, at Pipes surf break A A+ Encinitas, Swami’s Beach, Seacliff Park A+A+ Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, Cottonwood Creek C A A+ Carlsbad, at Batiquitos Lagoon outlet A A+ Carlsbad, at Tamarack Ave.A+A+A+ Carlsbad, at Carlsbad Village Drive A+A+ Carlsbad, at Poinsettia Lane A+A+A+ Carlsbad, at Ponto Drive A A+A+ Carlsbad, at Encina Creek A+A+A+ Carlsbad, at Palomar Airport Rd.A+A+A+ Carlsbad, at Cerezo Drive A+A+A+ Ocean Beach, at San Diego River A A B Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Surf Park at Tourmaline St.A+A A La Jolla, Windansea Beach at Bonair St.A+A+ La Jolla, La Jolla Cove A D A La Jolla Shores, at Ave De La Playa A A+A+ La Jolla, Windansea Beach at Boir St.A+ Torrey Pines, Los Penasquitos Lagoon outlet A A+A+ Border Field State Park, north side of Border Fence B D F Border Field State Park, at Monument Rd.B F D Tijuana Slough NWRS, Tijuana River mouth D F D Tijuana Slough NWRS, 3/4 miles north of Tijuana River F B D Imperial Beach, at Seacoast Dr.B B D IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 57 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Imperial Beach, at Carnation Ave.A A B Silver Strand State Beach at Guard Shack A A B Silver Strand State Beach at Lifeguard Tower D Coronado, Silver Strand A A+B Coronado City beach at Avenida Lunar A A A Coronado, at Ave del Sol A A B Mission Bay, Tecolote Shores (swim area)A A+ Mission Bay, Comfort Station north of Leisure Lagoon A A+A+ Mission Bay, Campland west of Rose Creek B A A+ Mission Bay, Fiesta Island north west shore A A+ Mission Bay, Crown Point Shores A+A+ Mission Bay, Fanuel Park at Fanuel St.A A+ Mission Bay, San Juan Cove west of boat launch A A+ Mission Bay, Bahia Point-northside at Gleason Rd.A A+ Mission Bay, Bonita Cove north cove A A+ Mission Bay, Vacation Isle Ski Beach A A+ Mission Bay, Vacation Isle North Cove Beach A A+ Mission Bay, Ventura Cove A+A+ Oceanside, St. Malo Beach downcoast from St. Malo Road A+A+B Oceanside, at Cassidy Street A+A A+ Oceanside, Buccaneer Beach at Loma Alta Creek A F Oceanside, 500 feet North of Loma Alta Creek A A+B Oceanside, at Forster Street A+A+A+ Oceanside, at Tyson Street A A A+ Oceanside, at Surfrider Way A+A+ Oceanside, at San Luis Rey River outlet A B B Oceanside, Harbor Beach at Harbor Drive A+A+A+ Point Loma, Lighthouse A+A+A+ Point Loma, Point Loma Treatment Plant A+A+A+ Sunset Cliffs, at Ladera Street A+A+A+ Ocean Beach, Ocean Pier at Narragansett Ave.A+A A+ Ocean Beach Pier, northside at Newport Ave.A+A A Ocean Beach, Stub Jetty A A+B Mission Beach, Belmont Park A+A+A+ Solana Beach, Fletcher Cove at Lomas Santa Fe Dr.A+A Solana Beach, Tide Beach Park at Solana Vista Dr.A A+ Cardiff State Beach, Seaside State Park A+A+ Cardiff State Beach, Las Olas (100 yds. south of Charthouse )A A+ Cardiff State Beach, at Charthouse parking A A Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo Lagoon outlet A+A+ Encinitas, San Elijo State Park at Liverpool Dr.A A+ La Jolla Shores Beach, 1000 ft south of Scripps Pier A+A+A+ La Jolla Shores Beach, 250 feet sout of Scripps Pier A+A+A+ La Jolla Shores Beach, 500 feet north of Scripps Pier A+A+A+ SAN MATEO COUNTY Pillar Point #9 Harbor Beach A C F Surfer’s Beach, south end of riprap A A+B Gull Park Foster City D A C Roosevelt Beach, south end of parking lot C A C IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 58 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Dunes Beach A B C Venice Beach at Frenchman’s Creek B F F Francis Beach at the foot of the steps B A C San Gregorio State Beach at San Gregorio Creek A+A A+ Pomponio State Beach at Pomponio Creek A A+A+ Pescadero State Beach at Pescadero Creek A A+A+ Bean Hollow State Beach A+A+A Sharp Park Beach, projection of Birch Ln.A+ Gazos Beach at Gazos Creek B A A Coyote Point A+ Aquatic Park B B F Lakeshore Park, behind Rec Center F B F Kiteboard Beach A D Foster City, Erckenbrack Park F D B Foster City, Marlin Park F B D Rockaway Beach, at Calera Creek A A+A Linda Mar Beach, at San Pedro Creek D F F Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, at San Vicente Creek A A A+ Pillar Point #8 Mavericks Beach Westpoint Ave.A B D Pillar Point Harbor, end of Westpoint Ave.C B C Pillar Point Harbor, Capistrano Ave Beach A F F SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Guadalupe Dunes A+A+A+ Hope Ranch Beach A A+A Arroyo Burro Beach A+A A+ Leadbetter Beach A A A+ East Beach, at Mission Creek A+A D East Beach, at Sycamore Creek A+A+A+ Butterfly Beach A A+A Hammond’s Beach A+A A+ Summerland Beach A+A A+ Carpinteria State Beach A+A+A Jalama Beach A+A+A Gaviota State Beach A+A+A Refugio State Beach A+A A El Capitan State Beach A+A+A+ Sands, at Coal Oil Point A+A+A+ Goleta Beach C A A SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Cowell Beach, west of the wharf C B F Santa Cruz Main Beach, at the Boardwalk A A D Santa Cruz Main Beach, at the San Lorenzo River A F Seabright Beach A C Twin Lakes Beach A A Capitola Beach, west of jetty B F Capitola Beach, east of jetty A F New Brighton Beach A+ Seacliff State Beach A C Natural Bridges State Beach A B IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 59 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Mitchell’s Cove Beach A F Cowell Beach, at the Stairs A C Cowell Beach, at Lifeguard Tower 1 F Rio Del Mar Beach A D SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Ocean Beach, at Pacheco St.F Ocean Beach, at Vincente St.F Hyde Street Pier A B Aquatic Park Beach, 211 Station A C China Beach, at Sea Cliff Ave.A+B Ocean Beach, at Balboa Ave.A+F Ocean Beach, at Lincoln Way A A+F Ocean Beach, at Sloat Blvd.A F Candlestick Point, Jackrabbit Beach A D F Candlestick Point, Windsurfer Circle B F F Candlestick Point, Sunnydale Cove A D F Islais Landing at Islais Creek A B F Mission Creek Park, at Mission Creek A+A+F Crissy Field Beach East, 202.4 Station A F F Crissy Field Beach West, 202.5 station A A+F Baker Beach East, Ocean #15 East A+A+B Baker Beach, Lobos Creek A A+F Baker Beach West, Ocean #16 A+C SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Avila Beach 350 yards west of pier, at Creek A A A+ Avila Beach, at San Luis Street A A A+ Studio Drive parking lot near Old Creek A A+A+ Cayucos State Beach, downcoast of the pier A+A+A+ Cayucos Beach, North of pier at storm drain A+A A+ Hearst Memorial State Beach, 100 yards west of the pier at creek outfall A+A A+ Olde Port Beach (Harford Beach), North A+B A+ Pismo Beach, at Ocean View A+A+A+ Pismo Beach, 40 feet south of the pier A+A A+ Pismo Beach, at Wadsworth Street A+A+A+ San Simeon State Beach, at Pico Ave.A+A+A+ Sewers at Silver Shoals Dr.A A A+ Morro Bay City Beach, 75 feet north of main parking lot A+A A+ Morro Bay City Beach, at Morro Creek A A+A+ Morro Bay City Beach, at Atascadero A A+A+ Morro Strand State Beach, at Beachcomber Drive A+A+A+ Pismo State Beach, 571 yards south of Pier Ave.A+A+A+ Pismo State Beach, at Pier Ave.A+A A+ Pismo State Beach, 330 yards north of Pier Ave.A+A+A+ SONOMA COUNTY Gualala Regional Park Beach A+ Black Point Beach A+ Stillwater Cove Regional Park Beach A+ Goat Rock State Park Beach A A+ Salmon Creek State Park Beach A+ IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 60 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Campbell Cove State Park Beach C A+ Doran Regional Park Beach A TIJUANA Playas Blanca F F F El Vigia D F F El Faro D F F VENTURA COUNTY Rincon Beach, 25 yards south of the creek mouth A+A+ Solimar Beach, south at end of gate access road A+A Rincon Beach, at the end of the footpath A A+ Emma Wood State Beach, 50 yards South of first drain A+A Surfer’s Point at Seaside A F Promenade Park, at Figueroa St.A+A+ Promenade Park, at Redwood Apts.A A+ Promenade Park, south of drain at California St.A+A+ San Bueventura Beach, south of drain at Kalorama St.A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at San Jon Rd.A+A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at Dover Ln.A A+ San Buenaventura Beach, south of drain at Weymouth Ln.A+A+ Marina Park, north end of playground A+A+ Peninsula Beach, North of South Jetty A+A+ La Conchita Beach, at Ocean View Rd. A+ Surfer’s Knoll, at parking lot A+A+ Oxnard Beach, at Outrigger Way A Oxnard Beach Park, at Falkirk Ave. A+ Oxnard Beach Park, at Starfish Dr. A+ Hollywood Beach, at La Crescenta St.A+ Hollywood Beach, at Los Robles St.A+A+ C.I. Harbor, at Hobie Beach Lakshore Dr.A F C. I. Harbor, Beach Park at South end of Victoria Ave.C F Silverstrand , at San Nicholas Ave.A+A+ Silverstrand, at Santa Paula Dr. A+A+ Oil Piers Beach, south of storm drain A+A Silverstrand, at Sawtelle Ave. A+A+ Port Hueneme Beach Park, 50 yards north of the pier A+D Ormond Beach, at J Street A A+ Ormond Beach, 50 yards north of Oxnard Industrial drain A+A+ Point Mugu Beach, at parking lot A+ Thornhill Broome Beach, at parking lot A+ Sycamore Cove Beach, 50 yards south of the creek mouth A+ County Line Beach A+A+ Hobson County Park, at stairs A+A+ Staircase Beach, bottom of staircase A Faria County Park, at stairs A+A Mandos Cove storm drain A+ IV APPENDIX / B CALIFORNIA GRADES BY COUNTY 61 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Summer Dry Grade Winter Dry Grade Wet Weather Grade CLATSOP COUNTY Cannon Beach at Ecola Creek mouth (2nd Avenue)D Tolovana State Park Beach 50m north of Chisana Creek F Tolovana State Park Beach F Cannon Beach projection of Gower Ave. storm outflow F Tolovana State Park Beach 50m south of Chisana Creek F COOS COUNTY Sunset Bay State Park Beach at North Beach Access A+ Sunset Bay State Park Beach at Restroom A+ Sunset Bay State Park Beach South Cove B Bastendorff Beach at Minor Creek Mouth C CURRY COUNTY Hubbard Creek Beach 50m north of Hubbard Creek F LANE COUNTY Heceta Beach at south runoff A+ LINCOLN COUNTY Seal Rock State Wayside Beach at mouth of Hill Creek A+ D River Beach at North corner of parking lot A+ Nye Beach Turnaround west of discharge pipe (marine water)A+ Seal Rock State Wayside Beach at north access A+ Nye Beach 100m north Nye Creek outflow west of NW 6th street A+ Nye Beach at war memorial west of Olive Street A+ Agate Beach at mouth of Big Creek C D River Beach West of Restroom F TILLAMOOK COUNTY Rockaway Beach at South 1st Avenue Creek A+ Short Sand Beach at Short Sand creek (Oswald State Park)A+ Twin Rocks Beach A+ Rockaway Beach at creek (South 6th Avenue)C IV APPENDIX / B OREGON GRADES BY COUNTY 62 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Summer Dry Grade Winter Dry Grade Wet Weather Grade CLALLAM COUNTY Hollywood Beach - mid A A+ Cline Spit County Park - mid A A+ Cline Spit County Park - north A A+ Hollywood Beach - west A+A+ Salt Creek Recreation Area - south A+A+ Cline Spit County Park - south A+A+ Hollywood Beach - east B A+ Salt Creek Recreation Area - north B A+ Salt Creek Recreation Area - mid A+ GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - north A+A+ Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - south A+A+ Westport - The Groynes - mid A+A+ Westport - The Groynes - west A+A+ Westhaven State Park Half Moon Bay - mid A+A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - mid A+A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - north A+A+ Westhaven State Park South Jetty - south A+A+ Westport - The Groynes - east A+A+ ISLAND COUNTY Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - west A A+ Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - east A F Dave Mackie Park Beach south A+A+ Dave Mackie Park Beach in tidal lagoon A+A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - north west A+A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - south east A+A+ Oak Harbor Lagoon - mid A+A+ Dave Mackie Park Beach north A+B Freeland County Park Holmes Harbor - mid B A+ JEFFERSON COUNTY Irondale Beach Park - mid A A+ Fort Worden State Park - north A+A+ Fort Worden State Park - mid A+A+ Fort Worden State Park - south A+A+ Irondale Beach Park - north B A+ Irondale Beach Park - south C C Point Whitney Tidelands - west D A+ Point Whitney Tidelands - mid D A+ Point Whitney Tidelands - east D A+ KING COUNTY Saltwater State Park - north A A+ Redondo County Park - south A A+ Redondo County Park - mid A A+ Carkeek Park - north A A+ Richey Viewpoint - south A A+ Saltwater State Park - mid A B IV APPENDIX / B WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY 63 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Dash Point State Park - west A+A+ Dash Point State Park - mid A+A+ Dash Point State Park - east A+A+ Richey Viewpoint - mid A+A+ Richey Viewpoint - north A+A+ Redondo County Park - north B A+ Saltwater State Park - south C B Carkeek Park - south F A+ Carkeek Park - mid F A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - mid A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - north A+ Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - south A+ Golden Gardens - north A+ Golden Gardens - mid A+ Golden Gardens - south A+ Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - mid A+ Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - north A+ Alki Beach Park - north A+ Alki Beach Park - mid A+ Alki Beach Park - south A+ Lincoln Park - north A+ Lincoln Park - mid A+ Lincoln Park - south A+ Seahurst (Ed Munro) Park - south B KITSAP COUNTY Indianola Dock - east A A+ Indianola Dock - mid A A+ Indianola Dock - west A A+ Scenic Beach State Park mid A A+ Scenic Beach State Park east A A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - north A A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - mid A A+ Joel Pritchard Park - east A A+ Pomeroy Park - Manchester Beach - south A A+ Joel Pritchard Park - west A D Silverdale County Park - east A D Silverdale County Park - mid A+A Arness County Park - north A+A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park south A+A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park mid A+A+ Point No Point Lighthouse Park north A+A+ Arness County Park - south A+A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - north A+A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - mid A+A+ Fay Bainbridge State Park - south A+A+ Scenic Beach State Park west A+A+ Joel Pritchard Park - mid A+A+ Arness County Park - mid A+B IV APPENDIX / B WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY 64 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Silverdale County Park - west A+D Illahee State Park - south B A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park north C A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park mid C A+ Illahee State Park - north D A+ Kitsap Memorial State Park south D A+ Lions Park - mid D A+ Lions Park - south D A+ Illahee State Park - mid D B Lions Park - north D B MASON COUNTY Potlatch State Park - mid A A+ Potlatch State Park - north A A+ BELFAIR STATE PARK A A+ BELFAIR STATE PARK A A+ BELFAIR STATE PARK A A+ Potlatch State Park - south B A+ Twanoh State Park - point C A+ Twanoh State Park - west of dock C A+ Twanoh State Park - west of point C A+ PIERCE COUNTY Dash Point County Park - east A A+ Purdy Sandspit County Park - west A A+ Jack Hyde Park - west A A+ Waterfront Dock/ Ruston Way - north A A+ Titlow Park - south A B Titlow Park - mid A F Titlow Park - north A+A+ Dash Point County Park - west of pier A+A+ Sunnyside Beach Park - south A+A+ Jack Hyde Park - mid A+A+ Browns Point Lighthouse Park east A+A+ Purdy Sandspit County Park - mid A+A+ Purdy Sandspit County Park - east A+A+ Ruston Way north - projection of Warner St A+A+ Waterfront Dock/ Ruston Way - south A+A+ Sunnyside Beach Park - north A+A+ Sunnyside Beach Park - mid A+A+ Jack Hyde Park - east A+B Browns Point Lighthouse Park A+C Browns Point Lighthouse Park south A+D Dash Point County Park - east of pier C A+ SKAGIT COUNTY Bayview State Park - mid A A+ Bayview State Park - north A A+ Bayview State Park - south A A+ IV APPENDIX / B WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY 65 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 SNOHOMISH COUNTY Picnic Point County Park - north A A+ Picnic Point County Park - south A A+ Picnic Point County Park - mid A A+ Edmonds Underwater Park - mid A A+ Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - north A A+ Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - mid A A+ Edmonds Underwater Park - south A A+ Kayak Point County Park - mid A A+ Marina Beach Edmonds (No Dogs) - south A+A+ Kayak Point County Park - north A+A+ Edmonds Underwater Park - north A+A+ Mukilteo Lighthouse Park south C A+ Kayak Point County Park - south C A+ Mukilteo Lighthouse Park north D A+ Mukilteo Lighthouse Park mid F A+ Howarth Park - south A+ Howarth Park - mid A+ Howarth Park - north A+ THURSTON COUNTY Burfoot County Park - north F A+ Burfoot County Park - mid F A+ Burfoot County Park - south F A+ WHATCOM COUNTY Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - mid A A+ Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - south A+A+ Larrabee State Park Wildcat Cove - west C A+ Little Squalicum Park at creek outlet C F Little Squalicum Park far west of pier F A+ Little Squalicum Park east F B Bellingham Marine Park outer A+ Birch Bay County Park - north A+ Birch Bay County Park - mid A+ Birch Bay County Park - south A+ IV APPENDIX / B WASHINGTON GRADES BY COUNTY 66 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 What is the Beach Report Card? The Beach Report Card transforms complicated water quality data into an easy-to-understand A–F grading format so the public can know where and when it is safe to go in the ocean. Grades are based on fecal bacteria pollution concentrations in the wave-wash. Water samples are analyzed for bacteria that indicate pollution from numerous sources, including fecal waste. The better the grade a beach receives, the lower the risk of illness to ocean users. The BRC should be used like the SPF ratings in sunblock — beachgoers should determine what they are comfortable with in terms of relative risk, and then make the necessary decisions to protect their health. Heal the Bay urges coastal beachgoers to use this information before they visit beaches on the West Coast. What is the history of the BRC? Heal the Bay’s first Beach Report Card was published in 1991 (with data from 1989 & 1990) and covered about 50 monitoring locations in Los Angeles County from Leo Carrillo Beach (near the Ventura County line) to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. At that time, beachgoers knew little about the health risks of swimming in polluted waters or the water quality at any of their favorite beaches in Los Angeles County. Beach water quality was a known public issue only when a substantial sewage spill occurred. Although beaches were routinely monitored, the data were either inaccessible or incomprehensible to the general public. Since then, an immense amount of work has been completed and resources invested to reduce urban runoff pollution and sewage spills at our local beaches. Heal the Bay is proud to have played an active role in putting legislation and policies in place to help protect public health. What do the grades mean to the beach user? Coming into contact with waters with elevated bacteria concentrations has been associated with increased risks to human health. The higher the grade a beach receives, the better the water quality at that beach. The lower the grade, the greater the health risks. Potential illnesses include gastrointestinal illness, eye/ear infections, upper respiratory infection and major skin rash (full body). The known risks of contracting illnesses associated with each threshold are based on a one-time, single event of exposure (head immersed while swimming) to polluted water. Increasing frequency of exposure or the magnitude of bacteria densities may significantly increase an ocean user’s risk of contracting any of these illnesses. About Heal the Bay’s Annual Beach Report Card Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization, dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy and clean. We use science, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission. Summer Dry Winter Dry Wet Weather (Apr–Oct) (Nov–Mar) Year-Round A A F Beach Report Card’s water quality grade (See Appendix D for complete methodology) IV APPENDIX / C FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How are grades calculated? Heal the Bay’s grading system takes into consideration the magnitude and frequency of exceedances above allowed bacterial levels over the course of the specified time period. Each BRC year contains three time/weather periods: • Summer Dry = Samples taken during dry weather between April 1 and October 31 • Winter Dry = Samples taken during dry weather between November 1 and March 31 • Wet Weather = Samples taken during or within 72 hours of a rain event* Water quality typically drops dramatically during and immediately after a rainstorm but often rebounds to its previous level within a few days. For this reason, year-round wet weather data throughout California were analyzed separately in order to avoid artificially lowering a location’s grade, and to provide a better understanding of statewide beach water quality impacts. For complete methodology, see Appendix D. NOTE: *Heal the Bay utilizes a definition of a ‘rain event’ in California as precipitation greater than or equal to one tenth of an inch (≥ 0.1”) accumulated over a period of 72 hours. Oregon and Washington criteria for a rain event is ≥0.2” of precipitation How current are the weekly grades? It is important to note that the grades from the Beach Report Card represent the most current information available to the public, but they do not represent real-time water quality conditions. Currently, laboratory analyses of beach water quality samples take 18 to 24 hours to complete; then the data must be entered into a database before they are sent to Heal the Bay for a grade calculation. For weekly grades, Heal the Bay releases grades every Friday throughout the year based on the most recent available sample data for the entire west coast. Weekly grades and more can be found at www.beachreportcard.org. Q 67 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 What type of pollution is measured? Pollution is measured by sampling types of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) including total coliform, fecal coliform, and Enterococcus spp. California requires measurement of all three FIB, but Oregon and Washington only require Enterococcus. Runoff from creeks, rivers and storm drains are sources of pollution to California, Oregon and Washington beaches. Runoff may contain toxic heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum hydrocarbons, animal waste, trash, and even human sewage.. The amounts of fecal indicator bacteria present in runoff, and consequently at the beach, is currently the best indication of whether or not a beach is safe for recreational water contact. The link between swimming in waters containing elevated levels of indicator bacteria and health risk was confirmed in the 1995 epidemiological study conducted by the University of Southern California, Orange County Sanitation District, the City of Los Angeles and Heal the Bay, under the auspices of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. Indicator bacteria themselves do not usually cause bather illness. Instead, their presence indicates the potential for water contamination with other pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa that do pose a health risk to humans. At present, the report card contains no information on toxins or trash in the water or on the beach. ABOUT INDICATOR BACTERIA The most common types of indicator bacteria include: • Total coliform • Fecal coliform (or E. coli) • Enterococcus Total coliform, which contains coliform of all types, originates from many sources including soil, plants, animals and humans. Fecal coliform and Enterococcus bacteria are found in the fecal matter of mammals and birds. This fecal bacteria does not always come from humans; however, human sewage does regularly end up in the ocean through sewage infrastructure failure and storm drains. Why is storm drain pollution so significant? Storm drain runoff is the largest source of pollution for ocean beaches. Storm drains flow untreated to the coast and are often contaminated with motor oil, animal waste, pesticides, yard waste and trash. After a rain, FIB densities often far exceed state health criteria for recreational water use. Health officials and Heal the Bay recommend that beach users never swim within 100 yards on either side of a flowing storm drain, creek, or river in any coastal waters during a rainstorm, and to stay out of the water for at least three days after a storm has ended. Children often play directly in front of storm drains and in runoff-filled ponds and lagoons. Monitoring at “point zero” (the mouth of storm drains or creeks) is the best way to ensure that the health risks to all swimmers are minimized. This Heal the Bay recommendation was finally adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for the 2015 swimming season. In fact, the SWRCB made point zero monitoring a criterion for receiving beach water quality monitoring funds. This was great news for beachgoers and families going to the beach last summer. For more on storm drain impacted beaches, see “Analysis of Beach Types”. Are beaches monitored year-round? In California, water quality samples are collected by the appropriate health agency at a minimum of once a week from April through October as required under the California Beach Bathing Water Quality Standards (AB 411) and recommended by EPA’s National Beach Guidance and Performance Criteria for Recreational Waters (EPA’s BEACH program). Some agencies conduct year-round sampling, while others scale back their monitoring programs dramatically from November through March, despite the fact that many oceangoers are in the water year-round. The majority of Oregon and Washington water quality monitoring occurs during the summer swimming season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The Makah Tribe in Clallam County Washington monitors water quality on a weekly basis year-round. Why not test for viruses? A common question asked by beachgoers is: “if viruses cause many of the swim ming-associated illnesses, why don’t health agencies monitor directly for viruses instead of indicator bacteria?” Although virus monitoring is incredibly useful in iden tifying sources of fecal pollution, there are a number of drawbacks to available virus measurement methods. There have been tremendous breakthroughs in the use of DNA to analyze water samples for virus or human pathogenic bacte ria, but these techniques are still relatively expensive. In addition, interpretation of virus monitoring data is difficult because, unlike bacterial indicators, there is little data available to link health risks associated with swimming in beach water to virus densities. Many epidemiology studies have been conducted on the West Coast and have found a strong correlation between illness rates and FIB concentrations so measuring FIB is a robust way to protect public health. However, research must be continued to refine how water quality is measured. IV APPENDIX / C FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 68 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Beach Report Card Grading and Methodology The Beach Report Card Grading Methodology translates complex shoreline bacteria data into a grade format that is meaningful and useable by all California beachgoers. Each geometric mean criterion exceeded is assigned a specific percentage of points lost. Non-exceedances are given 0%. The percentage of points lost from each of the three criteria divided by the number of sample days are multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’ (any sum of percentages exceeding 100% automatically loses all 50 points available in the geometric mean component). Single Sample Standard Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Single Sample Standard component is similar to the calculation used for deriving the points lost for the Geometric Mean. However, the Single Sample Standard component uses a gradient to calculate the ‘Total Points Lost’. The gradient of percentage points lost used in calculating the number of points lost is derived from work completed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and Orange County Sanitation District as part of the 1998 Southern California Coastal Bight Study (see Table 5-4). ‘Percentage of points lost’ is allocated depending upon the threshold exceeded by each of the four criteria. Each single sample criterion exceeded is given a ‘percentage of points lost’. These amounts are presented in Table 5-4. The ‘percentage of points lost’ from each of the four criteria for each sample during the time period are added together and divided by the total number of samples. Once this number is calculated (total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by total number of samples), it is multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’. In the Single Sample Standard component, more points are lost as the magnitude or frequency of exceedances increases. Points lost from the Single Sample Standard component are added to the points lost in the Geometric Mean component (if applicable) and this sum becomes ‘Total Points Lost’. Once the ‘Total Points Available’ and the ‘Total Points Lost’ are calculated, a grade for a particular sample site can be determined. Determining a Grade % Grade = ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Most dry and wet weather annual grades are calculated with 100 ‘Total Available Points’, although there is no Geometric Mean component for wet weather grading. Wet weather grades are calculated by the total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by the total number of samples and then multiplied by 100. This gives the location’s score for wet weather ‘Total Points Lost’. This number is then subtracted from 100 to give the percentage grade. METHODOLOGY: OREGON AND WASHINGTON The Oregon and Washington state grade methodology (using Enterococcus standards) was adapted from the seven standard California methodology (see Appendix A1). Total Points Available As seen in Table 5-2, the methodology uses a standard A through F grading system, and grades are based on the following formula: % Grade = ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Note: The Annual and End-of-Summer Beach Report Card methodology is modified slightly to accommodate the longer time period. (For example: no greater significance is given to the most recent samples.) IV APPENDIX / D METHODOLOGY: CALIFORNIA Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card grading system is endorsed by the SWRCB and the Beach Water Quality Workgroup as an effective way to communicate beach water quality to the public Past amendments to the grading methodology have included: • The inclusion of the geometric mean into the calculation • A firm zero-to-100 point scale • Greater weight for Enterococcus and the total to fecal ratio relative to total coliform and fecal coliform The methodology retains past modifications to the report card, such as the inclusion of new indicator bacteria thresholds (namely the total-to-fecal ratio), developed by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission in the 1996 health effects studies of Santa Monica Bay beachgoers. It also retains the implementation of standard deviations for each indicator bacteria threshold, which was developed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and Orange County Sanitation Districts during the 1998 Southern California Bight Study. Each threshold is based on the prescribed standards set in the California Department Health Service’s Beach Bathing Water Standards. As seen in Table 5-1 the methodology uses a standard A through F grading system, and grades are based on the following formula: % Grade = ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ [Note: The Annual and End-of-Summer Beach Report Card methodology is modified slightly to accommodate the longer time period. For example: no greater significance is given to the most recent samples.] Total Points Available ‘Total Points Available’ is derived from adding together two point components (if applicable): the Geometric Mean and the Single Sample Standard. The points for each component are listed in Table 5-2. In order for the points in each component to become available, certain criteria must be met. (For example, the geometric mean points will be added to the ‘Total Points Available’ only if there are a minimum of four dry weather samples collected within the allotted time frame). Wet weather data is graded separately from dry weather data, and does not currently include a geometric mean component. Therefore, it is possible for ‘Total Points Available’ to be less than 100. The new grading methodology allows for a relative grade to be determined based on the actual monitoring completed. Once the ‘Total Available Points’ has been determined for a specific location, then the ‘Total Points Lost’ can be calculated for the applicable grade components. Total Points Lost Separate calculations are used to quantify ‘Total Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘Total Available Points’. The following describes the two calculations. Geometric Mean Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the geometric mean component involves using the rolling 30-day geometric mean values calculated for each sample day (see Table 5-3). 69 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 TABLE 5-3: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE GEOMETRIC MEAN COMPONENT Indicator Exceeded Calif. Beach Bathing Water Standard % of Total Available Points Lost** Due to Exceedance Total Avail. Points Enterococcus 35 80% 50Fecal Coliform 200 40% Total Coliform 1000 20% * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water TABLE 5-5: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE SINGLE SAMPLE STANDARD COMPONENT Indicator Exceeded SLIGHT % Points Lost MODERATE % Points Lost HIGH % Points Lost EXTREME % Points Lost Total Available Points Total Coliform 10%30%40%N/A 50Fecal Coliform 10%30%40%N/A Enterococcus 20%40%60%N/A Ratio (when total > 1,000)25%50%75%100% TABLE 5-4: SINGLE SAMPLE GRADIENT THRESHOLDS IN CFU/100ML* Indicator Bacteria SLIGHT T – 1 SD MODERATE T + 1 SD HIGH > T + 1 SD EXTREME Very High Risk Total Coliform 6,711–9,999 10,000–14,900 > 14,900 N/A Fecal Coliform 268–399 400–596 > 596 N/A Enterococcus 70–103 104–155 > 155 N/A Total: Fecal Ratio (when total > 1,000)10.1–13 7.1–10 2.1–7 < 2.1 * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water. N/A = Not applicable SD = Standard Deviation. Bold = California State Health Department standards for a single sample TABLE 5-7: CALCULATING THE TOTAL POINTS LOST FOR THE SINGLE SAMPLE STANDARD COMPONENT Indicator Exceeded SLIGHT % Points Lost MODERATE % Points Lost HIGH % Points Lost Total Available Points Enterococcus 25%75%100%50 TABLE 5-6: SINGLE SAMPLE GRADIENT THRESHOLDS IN CFU/100ML* Indicator Bacteria SLIGHT T – 1 SD MODERATE T + 1 SD HIGH > T + 1 S Enterococcus 70–103 104–155 >155 * Colony forming units per 100 milliliters of ocean water SD = Standard Deviation. Bold = California State Health Department standards for a single sample TABLE 5-2: TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE BY COMPONENT Geometric Mean 50 points Single Sample Standard 50 points Total 100 points TABLE 5-1: GRADING SYSTEM A B C D F 100%–90%89%–80%79%–70%69%–60%<60% Wet weather data (>=0.2 inches of rain in previous 72 hours) is graded separately from dry weather data and does not currently include a geometric mean component. ‘Total Points Available’ is derived from adding together two point components (if applicable): the Geometric Mean and the Single Sample Standard. The points for each component are listed in Table 5-2. In order for the points in each component to become available certain criteria must be met. Oregon and Washington Summer Beach Report Card methodology calculations only include Geometric Mean scores when four or more dry weather samples are available in determining a location’s 30-day geometric mean. Therefore, it is possible for ‘Total Points Available’ to be less than 100. The grading methodology allows for a relative grade to be determined based on the actual monitoring completed. Once the ‘Total Available Points’ has been determined for a specific location, then the ‘Total Points Lost’ is calculated for the applicable grade components. Total Points Lost Separate calculations are used to quantify ‘Total Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘Total Available Points’. The following describes the two calculations: Geometric Mean Calculating the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Geometric Mean component involves using EPA’s beach bathing indicator density of 35 for the geometric mean. If there are four or more samples included in the 30-day geometric mean calculation then the 50 points for the Geometric Mean component become available. Oregon and Washington Beach Report Card methodology calculates the percentage of geometric mean exceedance days based on the number of valid (four or more) geometric means scored during the extended time period. The percentage of geometric exceedance sample days out of valid geometric mean sample days is multiplied by the 50 available points to determine the ‘Total Points Lost’ for the Geometric Mean component. Single Sample Standard The Single Sample Standard component uses a gradient to calculate the ‘Total Points Lost’. The gradient of percentage of points lost used in calculating the number of points lost is derived from the EPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria and is found in Table 5-6. ‘Percentage of points lost’ is allocated depending upon the threshold exceeded. The penalties for threshold exceedances are presented in Table 5-7. Non- exceedances lose zero points. The ‘percentage of points lost’ for each sample during the time period are added together and divided by the total number of samples and multiplied by the ‘Total Available Points’. More points are lost as the magnitude or frequency of exceedances increases. Points lost from the Single Sample Standard component are added to the points lost in the Geometric Mean component (if applicable) and this sum becomes ‘Total Points Lost’. Once the ‘Total Points Available’ and the ‘Total Points Lost’ are calculated a grade for a particular sample site can be determined. Determining a Grade % Grade = ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ — ‘TOTAL POINTS LOST’ ‘TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE’ Most dry and wet weather annual grades are calculated with 100 ‘Total Available Points’, although there is no Geometric Mean component for wet weather grading. Wet weather grades are calculated by the total ‘percentage of points lost’ divided by the total number of samples and then multiplied by 100. This gives the location’s score for wet weather ‘Total Points Lost’. This number is then subtracted from 100 to give the percentage grade. IV APPENDIX / D METHODOLOGY 70 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022 Acknowledgements & Credits The entire Beach Report Card program would not be possible without the cooperation of the many monitoring agencies across the West Coast. These agencies include: Makah Tribe Washington Department of Ecology Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Mendocino County Environmental Health Department Sonoma County Environmental Health & Safety Marin County Environmental Health Services San Francisco Public Utilities Commission East Bay Regional Park District San Mateo County Health Santa Cruz County Environmental Health 2021–22 Beach Report Card Report Research and Copy: Luke Ginger, Alison Xunyi Wu Data Compilation and Analysis: Alison Xunyi Wu, Luke Ginger Copy Editors: Katherine Pease, Talia Walsh, Gabriele Morgan, Bria Royal, Shelley Luce, Tracy Quinn Design by: Ison Design 1444 9th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | 800.HEAL.BAY | 310.451.1500 | healthebay.org The Beach Report Card’s original concept and methodology were created in part by former Heal the Bay scientists Dr. Mark Gold, Delaney Alamillo, and Mitzy Taggart. This report would not be possible without their passion and dedication to improving beach water quality and strengthening public health protection. A special thank you to our funders for their continued support of the Beach Report Card program and the publication of this report: IV APPENDIX / E Monterey County Health Department San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Ventura County Environmental Health Division City of Los Angeles Environmental Monitoring Division Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works City of Redondo Beach City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services South Orange County Wastewater Authority County of Orange Environmental Health Orange County Sanitation District San Diego County Department of Environmental Health San Elijo Joint Powers Authority City of San Diego City of Oceanside Encina Wastewater Authority Port of San Diego State Water Resources Control Board .... IIOIITIY IIAIDfACTINIEU AIIOCIATIOI IEII Heal the Bay SWAIN BARBER FOUNDATION @ 'Wiorld Surf League SON 1,'[C' •lflJ . HOTLINE: 619-338-2073 SDBEACHINFO.COM FOR BEACHES WITH URBAN RUNOFF DURING DRY WEATHER: As a precaution, avoid contact with runoff and recreational waters within at least 75 feet from where runoff enters ocean or bay waters during dry weather. TO REPORT ILLEGAL DISCHARGES TO STORM DRAINS: (888) 846-0800 check in &Q &Q &Q &Q ATTACHMENT B A General Advisory is issued after 0.2 inch or more rain is received to alert the public of potential ocean and bay water contamination by urban runoff. Bacterial levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drain, river, and lagoon outlets. The Department of Environmental Health & Quality advises beach users to avoid contact with ocean and bay waters for at least 3 days (72 hours) after rainfall ends. While many coastal outlets (storm drains, rivers, and lagoons) within San Diego County are permanently posted with white metal warning signs, additional temporary warning signs are not posted for General Advisories. GENERAL (RAIN) ADVISORY FOR ALL COASTAL WATERS A water contact advisory/warning is issued when monitoring reveals ocean or bay water quality does not meet State standards due to high bacterial levels, or during the excavation of a coastal outlet (river or lagoon) when potentially contaminated water is released to the ocean. Beach water quality monitoring uses bacterial indicators to test for the presence of possible pathogens. The bacterial indicators are not specific to humans, and may be from other sources including wildlife, pets, soil, and rotting vegetation such as kelp. However, ocean or bay waters with elevated bacterial levels may contain human pathogens that can cause illnesses. The Department of Environmental Health & Quality advises beach users to avoid contact with ocean and bay waters where advisory/warning signs are posted. Signs are typically posted at least 50 yards (150 feet) either side of the a sampling location where water quality does not meet State standards. ADVISORIES / WARNINGS A water contact Closure is issued anytime a reported sewage spill impacts or may impact ocean or bay recreational waters. Closures are also issued whenever the Tijuana River discharges to the ocean as the Tijuana River is known to be impacted with sewage. Sewage contaminated water may contain human pathogens that can cause illnesses. The Department of Environmental Health & Quality advises beach users to avoid contact with ocean and bay waters in the closure area and where closure signs are posted. CLOSURES RECREATIONAL WATER MONITORING PROGRAM Where is it safe to swim? Southern California beaches are generally clean and safe for recreation as indicated by water quality monitoring. Storm water runoff can make beaches unsuitable for swimming or surfing for at least 72 hours after a rainstorm. Beaches impacted by urban runoff from storm drains, streams and rivers should be avoided. Signs are posted warning not to swim at locations where water does not meet standards or sewage contamination has occurred. E. Coli Salmonella typhi Shigella dysenteriae & other species Vibrio cholera Cryptosporidium Giardia lamblia Rotavirus Norwalk virus Coxsackie virus (some strains) Adenovirus Echovirus Polio Virus Hepatitis A Gastroenteritis Typhoid fever Bacterial dysentery Cholera DISEASE DISEASE DISEASE WHAT PATHOGENS MAY BE FOUND IN SWIMMING WATERS CONTAMINATED WITH SEWAGE AND POSSIBLY IN RUNOFF? BACTERIA PROTOZOA (Intestinal Parasites) VIRUSES Diarrhea- Crytosporidiosis Diarrhea- Giardiasis Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis Various including severe respiratory disease, fever, rashes, paralysis, meningitis Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections Various, similar to coxsackie virus (evidence only in experimental animals) Poliomyelitis Infectious hepatitis (liver malfunction), also may affect kidneys and spleen WHAT HAPPENS TO BACTERIA/VIRUSES/PROTOZOA IN SWIMMING WATERS? They die-off due to sun (ultraviolet light), salt water exposure (osmotic forces), age, dilution, predation by other organisms. WHAT OTHER SOURCES OF LONG TERM WATER QUALITY TRENDS ARE AVALIBLE BASED ON MONITORING DATA? Visit the Heal the Bay webpage at healthebay.org and select the Beach Report Card link for annual beach water quality grades. WHAT BEACHES ARE CURRENTLY POSTED? Visit San Diego County’s mobile website at sdbeachinfo.com or call the San Diego County Beach and Bay Status Hotline for an update of current water quality status at (619) 338-2073. For more information, go to sdbeachinfo.com on your computer, tablet or smart phone. WHAT DO WE TEST FOR?Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform and Enterococcus bacteria WHAT ARE THEY?Indicators of possible disease producing bacteria/viruses/protozoa (also known as pathogens) WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? Environment - soils, decaying vegetation Animal wastes - birds, dogs, cats, seals Storm water/urban runoff - sources vary Humans - sewage, kids with diapers, shedding from body 7/5/22 California State law requires Local Health Officers to test waters of public beaches or bays for microbiological contaminants and to inform the public when a beach is closed, posted under advisory, or may pose public health risks. The State health standards use fecal indicator bacteria commonly found in human or animal feces that are indicators for other pathogens that could make you sick and may be present in the water. In May 2022, San Diego County became the first Federal and State approved coastal county in the nation to begin using a new droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) testing method that offers more rapid results to inform the public of the water quality conditions within the same day This method looks for bacterial DNA which has proven to be more precise and protective of public health. The following chart compares the previous culture-based testing method with the new ddPCR method. For up-to-date information on beach water quality visit www.sdbeachinfo.com. Subject Previous Culture Based Method New ddPCR Method Testing For Fecal indicator bacteria, which are commonly found in human or animal feces and indicators for pathogens that contaminate water and cause illness. Fecal indicator bacteria, which are commonly found in human or animal feces and indicators for pathogens that contaminate water and cause illness. Illness/Disease Risks gastroenteritis, respiratory disease, fever, rashes, paralysis, meningitis, infections in bloodstream, diarrhea. gastroenteritis, respiratory disease, fever, rashes, paralysis, meningitis, infections in bloodstream, diarrhea. Testing Method Culture water samples to measure the presence of live bacteria growth for three types of fecal indicator bacteria, which indicate that other pathogens may be present that can cause illness. Amplify DNA in water samples to measure fecal indicator bacteria (live or dead bacteria presence of other pathogens or viruses) which indicate that other pathogens may be present that can cause illness. Enterococcus Contamination Thresholds (State Health Standards) If there are more than 104 bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards and actions such as closures or advisories may be taken. If there are more than 1,413 DNA copies of bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards and actions such as closures or advisories may be taken. The ddPCR State health standard threshold value of 1413 DNA copies of bacteria per 100 ml. water is equivalent to the culture State health standard of 104 bacteria per 100 ml. water. Determination of Contamination Thresholds (State Health Standards) State Regulations developed by CA Department of Public Health. State Regulations developed by CA Department of Public Health. Beach Advisories Issued Health & Safety Code 115875 - 115915 Bacterial Exceedance Advisory is issued when ocean or bay water sample results exceed State health standards due to high bacteria levels. Example of an advisory: Enterococcus test results from a beach show 104 organisms/bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards, and an advisory is issued. Bacterial Exceedance Advisory is issued when ocean or bay water sample results exceed State health standards due to high bacteria levels. Example of an advisory: Enterococcus test results from a beach shows 1413 organisms/bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards, and an advisory is issued. Beach Closures Issued Health & Safety Code 115875 – 115915 Water contact closure is issued in the event of a known untreated sewage release adjacent to a public beach or a sewage release that is known to have reached the recreational waters. Example of a closure: A sewage release impacts beach water. Enterococcus test results show 104 organisms/bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards, and a closure is issued. Water contact closure is issued in the event of a known untreated sewage release adjacent to a public beach or a sewage release that is known to have reached the recreational waters. Example of a closure: A sewage release impacts beach water. Enterococcus test results show 1413 organisms/bacteria per 100 ml, the sample exceeds State health standards, and a closure is issued. Timing of Results 24 hours/next day 6-10 hours/same day Testing Frequency (South County Beach Locations) Daily Daily Method Authorization CA Department of Public Health United States Environmental Protection Agency CA Department of Public Health Laboratory Certification Approval CA Water Board Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) CA Water Board Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) ATTACHMENT C Water Quality Sampling Frequently Asked Questions Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method 1. Where does the County of San Diego sample beach water? County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), Beach and Bay Water Quality Program samples the recreational waterways throughout the county, south from the Tijuana border to Trestles beach to the north. The water is tested for bacterial levels at approximately 45 beaches throughout the county. The program’s mission is to notify the public of results/health risks so they can make an informed decision about where to swim. DEHQ partners with other agencies that also share their water quality sample results from other beaches. All sampling locations can be found at sdbeachinfo.com. 2. What do the different signs at the beach mean? •Advisory - An advisory is issued when the beach water exceeds State bacterial standards. •Warning - A warning is issued when the beach water exceeds State bacterial standards and there is a south swell (transboundary flows), which may bring sewage contaminated water. •Closure - A closure is issued when there are sewage or chemical releases, when the Tijuana River is flowing, or when sewage can be detected by water odor or discoloration. 3. When will an advisory, warning, or closure be lifted? •Advisory - An advisory is lifted when water sample results are within State standards. •Warning - A warning is lifted when water sample results are within State standards and south swell (transboundary flows) conditions are not present. •Closure - A closure is lifted when sewage or chemical contamination is no longer visibly present in the water. 4. Where can I see the current status of beach water in San Diego County? Up to the minute beach water quality results are posted on sdbeachinfo.com. 5. Why is the beach closed? Beaches are closed when there are sewage or chemical releases, when the Tijuana River is flowing, or when there are odors or discoloration of water due to sewage. 6. What is the ocean water tested for? The ocean water is tested for Enterococcus bacteria which can indicate the presence of a variety of pathogens that can cause illness, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. For more information regarding pathogens found in waters contaminated with sewage or runoff, visit our brochure in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. ATTACHMENT D 7. How is the water tested? The water is tested by using a molecular method called digital droplet polymerase chain reaction or ddPCR for short. ddPCR counts the enterococcus DNA present in the water sample. 8. How long does the test (ddPCR) take? Sample results are reported the same day samples are collected and results are posted on the Beach and Bay website: sdbeachinfo.com. 9. Does the new test (ddPCR) count the dead bacteria? And can dead bacteria make me sick? The ddPCR method tests for Fecal Indicator Bacteria (live or dead bacteria) which are commonly found in human or animal feces and are indicators of pathogens that contaminate water and can cause illness. More information: Historical Ocean Illness Survey High sensitivity of children to swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness Rapidly measured indicators of recreational water quality and swimming-associated illness at marine beaches: a prospective cohort study 10. What illnesses can contaminated water cause? The most common symptoms of recreational water illness are diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough or congestion, and eye pain. 11. How long do you anticipate the increases in closures in the South County Beaches? There are many factors that affect water quality at San Diego County Beaches. One factor that affects South County beaches are southern swells (transboundary flows), which are more common during summer months and can bring sewage contaminated water north across the international border. This sewage contaminated water causes the increase in bacteria levels and closures at South County beaches. The ocean water is sampled daily at South County beaches. 12. What are the benefits of ddPCR? The ddPCR method is more sensitive than the culture method and impacted less by environmental factors, allowing it to be more accurate in measuring bacteria and illness risk, and more protective of public health. The ddPCR method provides faster, same-day results. When beaches have bacteria levels that exceed State health standards and advisories or closures are required to be posted, DEHQ is able to lift them faster by using ddPCR. 13. What is the difference between the City of San Diego samples and the County samples, both taken in South County? The County of San Diego Beach and Bay program focuses on testing ocean water to ensure it is safe for recreation, using the ddPCR method (same day results). The City of San Diego focuses on testing discharges from treated effluent from the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, using the culture method (next day results). 14. The water looks and smells clean. Is it still contaminated? Even if ocean water may look visually clean and not have an odor, it may still have bacteria levels that exceed State health standards. You cannot see or smell bacteria and there are many pathogens found in waters contaminated with sewage or runoff that can cause illnesses. This is why an advisory is issued when the water exceeds State bacteria standards, and a warning is issued when there is a south swell (transboundary flows) bringing water north from Mexico. 15. Will I get cited if I choose to go in the water when the beach is closed? Check with your local lifeguard. It would depend on the location of the beach and the local ordinance.