5 of California’s dirtiest beaches are in Northern California, new report shows. Here’s where

Jacqueline Pinedo
·2 min read
10

Heal the Bay released its 33rd annual beach report this week in an effort to provide the public with information on water recreation sites to avoid — just in time for the official start of summer.

The annual report ranks 700 beaches from Washington state to Tijuana Mexico on levels of fecal bacterial pollution, with a letter grade from A to F. Usually, beaches and rivers have “poor water quality” after a rainy period, according to Heal the Bay, this causes pollutants to be washed into the beaches through storm drains.

A few key takeaways: Most of the state’s more than 400 beaches received passing grades in the 2022 study. However, five of the most contaminated beaches are right here in Northern California.

But the, California received record rainfall at the start of the year, which has led “to an enormous dip in water quality,” according to Heal the Bay.

Only two beaches were highlighted in the study’s “Honor Roll” list: Point Loma, Lighthouse, in San Diego, and Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo.

Here are California’s most polluted beaches:

Who made the ‘beach bummer’ list?

California’s 10 most polluted beaches (the list includes Baja California, Mexico) are evenly split between Northern California and Southern California. There was a tie between Playa Blanca in Tijuana and the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles for the number one most polluted beach.

When visiting beaches over the summer it’s important to take into consideration pollution levels. It’s advised that anyone who gets in water with a C grade or below can be at risk of “contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections and rashes,” according to Heal the Bay.

Below are the first 10 beaches on the Heal the Bays beach bummer ranking:

The beaches with beach titles in bold can are in Northern California.

  • Playa Blanca, Baja California, Mexico (tie)

  • Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles County (tie)

  • 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, Los Angeles County

  • Poche Beach, Orange County

  • Gull Park, San Mateo County

For a full list of this years beach report, you can visit the beach report website.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.