A San Diego-area beach was one of only two beaches named in Heal the Bay's honor roll this year as part of the environmental group's Beach Report Card on water quality in California.
Point Loma Lighthouse and San Mateo County's Bean Hollow State Beach were the only two California beaches out of more than 500 monitored beaches that were pristine enough to be named on the honor roll. To earn a spot on the list, a beach must be monitored each week of the year and earn a good mark during the seasons and all weather conditions.
An unusually wet winter led to water quality challenges at California beaches, according to the annual report, which was released Wednesday. In 2021, 50 beaches landed on Heal the Bay's honor roll, which is included in the group's annual Beach Report Card.
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The report noted that beach water quality remained very good during dry weather across the state. Overall, 95% of California beaches reviewed by Heal the Bay received letter grades of A or B. The group assigns the grades based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution.
Despite the overall good ratings, group officials said researchers "remain deeply concerned about ocean water quality," noting that "polluted waters pose a significant health risk to millions of people in California."
"As climate change continues to bring weather whiplash, our water woes will swing from scarcity to pollution. This year, record precipitation produced major impacts on water quality across Coastal California," said Tracy Quinn, president and CEO of Heal the Bay, in a statement. "Now more than ever, we must prioritize multi-benefit projects to manage storm water as both a water quality and supply solution, all while ensuring that the public is kept informed of risks to public health."
Playa Blanca near Tijuana and the Santa Monica Pier tied for first place on Heal the Bay's dubious "Beach Bummers" list, which tallies the most polluted beaches in the state.
The Tijuana River Mouth in San Diego County placed sixth on the list.
"The Tijuana River discharges tens of millions of gallons of sewage into the ocean every year," the report noted. "This issue originates within the City of Tijuana, which has impaired and insufficient sewage infrastructure."
Heal the Bay’s Beach Bummer List:
- Playa Blanca, Baja California
- Santa Monica Pier, LA County
- Linda Mar Beach, San Mateo County
- Marlin Park, San Mateo County
- Erckenbrack Park, San Mateo County
- Tijuana River Mouth, San Diego County
- Pillar Point Harbor, San Mateo County
- Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach, LA County
- Poche Beach, Orange County
- Gull Park, San Mateo County
