Add The California Post on Google The Santa Monica Pier has once again been ranked among California’s most polluted beaches, landing on Heal the Bay’s annual “Beach Bummer” list for the 10th consecutive year ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
According to reporting by City News Service and Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card website, the famous LA County landmark ranked as the second-worst beach in California for summer dry-weather water quality.
Santa Monica Pier beach was ranked as the second worst beach in California in terms of pollution. Barbara Davidson/The California Post Drone view of the Tijuana River flowing into the Pacific at Imperial Beach, California showing polluted waters and environmental health hazards. mdurson – stock.adobe.com Only Playa Blanca near Tijuana ranked worse – and that beach suffers from millions of gallons of sewage-tainted water from Mexico.
City News Service reported that Heal the Bay attributed the rankings to elevated bacteria levels and ongoing pollution concerns.
According to CNS, Heal the Bay said California beaches overall maintained relatively strong water quality grades during dry summer conditions, with 91% receiving A or B grades statewide.
However, the service reported that statewide wet-weather grades dropped from 67% to 61% because of rainfall, stormwater runoff and aging infrastructure.
“No one should get sick from a weekend in our waters,” Tracy Quinn said in a statement quoted by CNS.
“These findings are a reminder that water quality isn’t just a report, it’s a public health issue that affects every beachgoer and river user across California.”
CNS also reported that Heal the Bay’s accompanying River Report Card identified several freshwater pollution hotspots around the Los Angeles River watershed, including areas near the Rio Hondo confluence, Hollydale Park and Compton Creek.
According to the report cited by CNS, only 21 beaches statewide earned Heal the Bay’s Honor Roll designation for receiving A-plus grades in all monitored weather conditions — a steep drop from 62 beaches the previous year.
Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes Estates was among the Los Angeles County beaches receiving top marks.
Heal the Bay also urged beachgoers to avoid swimming within 72 hours after rainfall and to stay away from storm drains, river outlets and stagnant water areas where bacteria levels are often highest.
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