A stand-up paddler swims at sea near Cabrillo Beach in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles February 17, 2015. An annual Beach Report Card, released Wednesday, June 14, 2023, concludes that California is experiencing historic winter rainfall, high runoff rates and dirtier waters along the coast. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — An annual Beach Report Card released Wednesday concludes that historic winter rainfall in California is causing high runoff rates and dirtier water along the coast.
According to Heal The Bay, only two beaches nationwide made the 2022-2023 honors list: Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County, south of San Francisco, and Point Loma in San Diego County.
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In the last poll, 51 beaches made the honors list. The non-profit environmental organization examines more than 500 beaches and assigns letter grades from A-plus to F.
The extremely wet winter has led to several rain-induced sewage spills and washed pollutants, including bacteria, into the sea through storm drains, the report said.
“Record rainfall this year had a major impact on water quality along the California coast,” said Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay. “Now more than ever we must prioritize projects with multiple benefits to manage stormwater as a water quality and supply solution while ensuring the public remains informed of public health risks.”
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Still, the group said 95% of all beaches in the state received an A or B rating for water quality from April to October 2022, the months when most people travel to the coast.
The worst beaches are on the “beach bummer” list for chronic pollution that could make swimmers and surfers sick. According to Heal The Bay, four of the state’s ten dirtiest beaches are in San Mateo County — Linda Mar, Marlin Park, Erckenbrack Park, and Pillar Point.
Topping the list of the most polluted beaches were Playa Blanca near Tijuana, on the San Diego County border, and the beach around the Santa Monica Pier.
