Heal the Bay released its report on water quality at California beaches, and though things are improving, a handful of Southern California beaches still landed on the “Beach Bummers” list.
Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, harborside Cabrillo Beach, and Santa Monica Pier Beach all fall into the worst-water quality category. The Wedge in Newport Beach, oceanside Cabrillo Beach, and Venice Beach at the Windward Avenue drain all rank as top California beaches.
The report also highlighted one upside to the California drought: cleaner water across the board. The drought may have helped improve water quality, but the beaches won’t be impervious to some of the storms predicted to hit this summer.
What influences water quality? Which local beaches are the safest for swimming? Which are your favorites to visit in the summer?
Guest:
Kirsten James, Science and Policy Director for Water Quality at Heal the Bay