failedbeaches

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NOTE: This article reflects the report cards for September 2012 only; grades throughout the summer averaged As and Bs but eventually slipped drastically within a single month.

Heal the Bay, a nonprofit organization which is the only group in California to monitor the quality of water at more than 350 beaches, released their most recent report cards regarding the quality of water in Los Angeles County. And many of Long Beach’s coastal waters failed—literally. 

Out of 15 test points along within Long Beach’s city limits, six of the areas under surveillance—Long Beach City Beach at 10th Place; Alamitos Bay at 56th Place on the bay side of the peninsula; Long Beach City Beach at both Prospect Avenue and Granada Avenue in Belmont Shore; the westside of the Belmont Pier; and Long Beach City Beach at Coronado Avenue—received D or F grades, meaning these waters have some the worst level of bacteria in the state. Among other failing beaches in the region: Avalon Beach at Catalina, Little Corona Beach in Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove at Pelican Point in Orange County, and Malibu Pier.

On a positive note, two points in the recently re-opened Colorado Lagoon—as well as several more inside Alamitos Bay and surprisingly two others located between F-graded beaches—received A and B grades in the end-of-summer report card.

Though experts are unable to say that the indicated bacteria are pathogenic, it is estimated that one in 25 beachgoers swimming or surfing in polluted waters will get sick. In the words of the organization: the lower the grade, the greater the risk.

The grade is determined by a water sample taken at least one time a week and surveyed for bacteria indicators Enterococcus and Fecal Coliform. It is believed that most of the bacteria found in waters are due to leaky septic systems, boat owners dumping raw waste into the ocean, and urban runoff carrying animal droppings directly into the ocean.

See all of the other beach grades at the interactive Heal the Bay Beach Report Card website.

failedbeaches