To the members of the:
, ~lry COUNCIL
Date ~ CA ✓ cc ✓
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June 30, 2022
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Publiy-W9rks
Via: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager lGr
Re: Heal the Bay's 2021 -2022 Beach Report Card (Districts - All) {city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2022077
This memorandum provides information related to the 2021-2022 Beach Report Card published by Heal the Bay.
Background
On June 22, 2022, Heal the Bay released its 32nd annual Beach Report Card, a scientific report on bacterial -pollution rankings for hundreds of beaches in California. Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit organization that was founded in 1985, dedicated to preserving water quality through science and education. The Beach Report Card is Heal the Bay's flagship scientific water quality monitoring program that started in the 1990s.
The Beach Report Card grades are based on routine water quality sampling conducted by county health agencies, state agencies, sanitation departments and dischargers. For recreational health protection, water samples are analyzed for three fecal indicator bacteria: total coliform, fecal coliform and Enterococcus. The report assigns three separate grades for each beach: summer dry grade (April 2021 through October 2021); winter dry grade {November 2021 through March 2022); and wet weather grade (samples taken during or after rain events April 2021 through March 2022).
For a beach to be listed on the Honor Roll, it must be monitored weekly all year and must receive an A+ grade for all seasons and weather conditions (summer dry, winter dry and wet weather).
Two Carlsbad beaches made the Beach Report Card Honor Roll in 2020-2021: Carlsbad at Encinas Creek and Carlsbad at Palomar Airport Road.
Discussion
The City of Carlsbad is proud that its beaches have once again made the Honor .Roll on the 2021-2022 Beach Report Card. Heal the Bay listed the following five beaches in Carlsbad:
• Carlsbad Boulevard at Tamarack Avenue
• Carlsbad Boulevard at Poinsettia Lane
• Carlsbad Boulevard at Encinas Creek
Public Works
Environmental Management Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2730 t Council Memo - Heal the Bay's 2021-22 Beach Report Card (Districts -All) June 30, 2022
• Carlsbad Boulevard at Palomar Airport Road
• Carlsbad Boulevard at Cerezo Drive
Numerous city departments and divisions such as Watershed Protection, Sustainable Materials Management, Streets and Storm Drain Maintenance, Homeless Services, Construction Management & Inspection, Parks & Recreation and Utilities help contribute to clean water at Carlsbad beaches.
To view the report in its entirety, please visit https://healthebay.org/, or see Attachment A.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to implement programs to protect and preserve Carlsbad's water quality and natural environment.
Attachment: A. Heal the Bay's 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)
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Robby Contreras, Assistant City Attorney
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Mandy Mills, Housing & Homeless Services Director
Vicki Quiram, Utilities Director
Kristina Ray, Communication & Engagement Director
James Wood, Environmental Management Director
Babaq Taj, Engineering Manager
Avecita Jones, Senior Program Manager
Tim Murphy, Senior Program Manager
Michael O'Brien, Public Works Superintendent
Nikki Matosian, Community Relations Manager
1 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022
Beach
Report Card
2021-2022
ATTACHMENT A
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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 Card
2021-2021
Cover: Newport Beach / Orange County / photo: Art Wager Heal the Bay
SWAIN BARBER
F OUN D A T ION
@ World Surf League
3 HEAL THE BAY // 2021–2022
CONTENTS
HEAL THE BAY
2021-2022
• SECTION I: WELCOME
EXECUTIVE SUMMAR
Y ..................................................................... 5 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 8 • SECTION II: WEST COAST SUMMARY
CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW ...................................................................11 HONOR ROLL ......................................................................................15 BEA
CH BUMMERS .............................................................................. 17 IMP
ACT OF BEACH TYPE................................................................20 CALIFORNIA COUNTY SUMMARIES ...........................................23 OREGON COUNTY SUMMARIES .................................................34 W
ASHINGTON COUNTY SUMMARIES ....................................... 37 TIJU
ANA, MEXICO SUMMARY ......................................................42 • SECTION III: BEACH NEWS
BIG SPILLS
............................................................................................44 KEEPING OUR OCEAN SAFE AND CLEAN ...............................44 A
SSEMBLY BILL (AB) 1066 ..............................................................45
WILDFIRES, W
ATER QUALITY, AND CLIMATE CHANGE ......45
FUNDING SHORELINE MONIT
ORING PROGRAMS ...............45
NO
WCAST UPDATE ..........................................................................46
THE BEA
CH REPORT CARD AND
ACCESS TO WATER RECREATION ..............................................46 • SECTION IV: APPENDICES
A // BEACH BUMMER HIS
TORY ....................................................48
B // ALL GRADES B
Y COUNTY .....................................................50
C // FREQUENTL
Y ASKED QUESTIONS .....................................66
D // METHODOL
OGY .......................................................................68
E // AKNO
WLEDGEMENTS & 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, Mexico
photo: 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. Y our
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 illnesses
2,3,4.
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. W
ade, 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
Q
111111
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. •
-
-~-
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- - ~ :.,,,.J;. "- .:.;...,. ... ,_. - "-~~ •• · . ..,.' ~ ~ - . -=-~~~~==~:-1:........:~;.5~::l~::::....;;;..e......._...__~ 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 Y outh 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+
I
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 Re y
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
P
ark
(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 study
9 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 humans
10 so more research is
needed to assess the health risk at
Humboldt County beaches.
7. Newport Bay, Vaughn’s
La
unch
(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 Re y
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, No rth
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
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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 County
photo: 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 W
eather Grades were rather decent and above average
with 82% of the beaches receiving A and B grades.
● As indicated by the poorer Wet W
eather 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 W
eather 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 W
eather 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%
11111•
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%
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%
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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-P ollution.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 spill
16 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 B
Y COUNTY ...................................................48
C // FREQUENTL
Y ASKED QUESTIONS ..................................64
D // METHODOL
OGY .....................................................................66 E // A
CKNOWLEDGEMENTS & 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 T ower and Boat dock
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Cabrillo Beach Harborside
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Poche Beach
ORANGE COUNTY
Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach,
between Lifeguard T ower 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 T ennis 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 T ower 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 T ower 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
-
( "' I
~ ~ -
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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 T ower 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 T ower 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
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( "' I
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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 T opsail St. A A F
Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, at playground D F F
Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, between Lifeguard T ower 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
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Dockweiler State Beach, at Grand Ave. A+ A F
Hermosa City Beach, at 26th Street A+ A+ A
Redondo State Beach, at T opaz 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
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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 T emescal 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
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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 T ennis 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 Y outh 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
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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 Y acht 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
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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
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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, T ourmaline Surf Park at T ourmaline 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
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Imperial Beach, at Carnation Ave. A A B
Silver Strand State Beach at Guard Shack A A B
Silver Strand State Beach at Lifeguard T ower 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
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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
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Mitchell’s Cove Beach A F
Cowell Beach, at the Stairs A C
Cowell Beach, at Lifeguard T ower 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
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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
~----------------------------------------➔------~~------~------~ 1 .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ,1. .................... .. ! ................................................................................................................................................................................. ,i. ................. .. j .................................................................................................................................................................................... .. . !. ~----------------------------------------- .,.
j .................................................................................................................................................................................................. .. .. ................. ,. 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
I •
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
1 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ·-+-------+------_,,Jt--------1 ! .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ,-+-------+------_,,Jt--------1 ~-----------------------------------------+------~~------~------~ j .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ,-+-------+------_,,Jt--------1 j .................................................................................................................................................... . .............. j .. 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
j .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ·-+-------+-------Jl--------1 ~-----------------------------------------~------+-------+------- , ................................................................................................................................................................................................... . ................... ,. 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
~-----------------------------------------+------~~------~------~ 1 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ·-+-------+------~1--------1 j .................................................................................................................................................... . ., .. 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 W eather
(Apr–Oct) (Nov–Mar) Y ear-R
ound
A A F
Beach Report Card’s water quality grade
(See Appendix D for complete methodology)
IV APPENDIX / C FREQUENTL Y 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 W
eather = 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 FREQUENTL Y 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 ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘T otal Available Points’. The following describes the two calculations.
Geometric Mean
Calculating the ‘T otal 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
50 Fecal 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 ‘T otal Available Points’ has been determined for a specific location, then the ‘T otal Points Lost’ is calculated for the applicable grade components.
Total Points Lost
Separate calculations are used to quantify ‘T otal Points Lost’ for each applicable component from the ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal 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 ‘T otal 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
SWAIN BARBER
FOUNDATION
@ World Surf League
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