Climate Conscious Cali Actually Has 3 Of The Most Polluted Places In USA
With summer just around the corner and temperatures rising, beach season is quickly approaching, and eager beachgoers are flocking to the coasts of the United States in search of warm sand and cool ocean breezes.
While many U.S. beaches are renowned for their beauty and recreational opportunities, several have recently been highlighted for less favorable reasons. A national environmental group has named some of these beloved spots as the most polluted beaches in the country.
According to Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force, which processed 9,538 water samples from 567 distinct sampling sites around the U.S. last year, a significant number of beaches failed to meet health standards due to high bacteria levels. Out of the 567 beaches tested, 362 showed at least one high bacteria result that exceeded state health standards.
The Surfrider Foundation’s latest Clean Water Report reveals that most problematic water samples came from freshwater sources such as rivers, creeks, and marshes, which are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff. Beaches located near these freshwater outlets were particularly affected. Stormwater runoff, identified as the leading cause of beach closures and swimming advisories in the U.S., carries pollutants from urban areas into local waterways, eventually reaching the beach.
Among the 567 beaches sampled, 10 stood out for their consistently high bacteria rates. Imperial Beach in San Diego, California, and Nāwiliwili Stream on Kaua’i were notable for recording bacteria levels that exceeded recreational health standards in every sample collected.
The report describes Imperial Beach as a region with complex beauty but plagued by severe pollution for decades. Millions of gallons of contaminated water, carrying stormwater runoff, raw sewage, harmful chemicals, and trash, flow daily from the Tijuana River Watershed across the U.S.-Mexico border into the Pacific Ocean at Imperial Beach.
Despite tireless advocacy by local officials and community groups, which has led to some recent policy successes, including increased funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission to address issues at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment plant, much more work remains.
Surfrider Foundation's report aims to raise national awareness about this ongoing issue to increase pressure on state and federal leaders to implement lasting solutions. By elevating the problem to the public consciousness, they hope to drive more comprehensive actions to tackle pollution at these iconic beaches.
As beach season kicks off, it's crucial for beachgoers to stay informed about water quality and health standards. While enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of America's beaches, it’s important to recognize the environmental challenges that persist and support efforts to address them. The Surfrider Foundation's work highlights the need for continued vigilance and action to ensure that all beaches are safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.