If you’re making summer vacation plans, reconsider visiting some southern California beaches. According to the environmental non-profit group Heal the Bay, Santa Monica Pier ranks among California’s most polluted beaches. This marks the fifth consecutive year it has been on the list. The Pier, a famous southern California landmark, attracts over 9 million visitors each year. However, its beaches have been flagged for high pollution levels.
Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card measures fecal pollution levels at beaches along the coast from Tijuana, Mexico, to Washington. For the second year in a row, Santa Monica Pier ranks second on their ‘Beach Bummers’ list, which highlights areas affected by urban runoff, bacteria hotspots, and outdated infrastructure. Playa Blanca in Tijuana claims the top spot on this list.
The report underlines how rainfall, runoff, and sewage spills damage coastal waters. Santa Monica Pier has frequently appeared on the Beach Bummers list in 15 of the past 21 years. Efforts have been made to improve water quality through stormwater capture systems and bird deterrent netting installation. However, bacteria levels remain high.
According to the report, despite temporary water quality improvements, pollution persists due to insufficient investment and upkeep. The group continues to address issues related to storm-damaged beaches and chronic pollution sites at Santa Monica Pier. A task force formed with the City of Santa Monica aims to identify pollution causes and suggest ways to resolve them.
This year, 21 California beaches earned a place on Heal the Bay’s Honor Roll List for excellent conditions, down from 62 last year. Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes Estates, Los Angeles County, secured the top position.
Public health advisories are in place for Santa Monica Pier’s beaches for bacteria levels. Exposure to fecal pollution poses a health risk as it can lead to serious illness, as highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Public health officials advise against swimming, diving, or wading in waters contaminated with fecal bacteria.
The area around Santa Monica Pier was included in a public health advisory last year due to increased bacteria levels. In Florida, a similar advisory was issued for Crandon Park North in Key Biscayne because of high bacteria levels. The State of Washington’s Department of Ecology advises avoiding contact with water for 24 hours after heavy rainfall and near drainage pipes or streams.
Teresa Mull covers lifestyle topics for Fox News Digital.