A report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), called “Testing the Waters,” compares the safety of beaches around the U.S. The results for California beaches, especially in our area don’t look very good. The reasons why aren’t all bad; but giving the story a happy ending will take all of us working together.
California has more public coastline than most of the country, because we actively protect public access. But we also enjoy homes near the coast and the Bay shoreline, which bring sewer lines, septic systems, and domestic animals into the area upstream of our beaches. While all of these are sources of potentially harmful bacteria, it is primarily stormwater runoff that carries these bacteria directly to our creeks and beaches. As indicated in NRDC’s report, “Stormwater runoff is the most frequently identified source of beach closings and advisory days.” The report also states, “More than 80 percent of closings and advisories were issued because bacteria levels in beachwater exceeded public health standards, indicating the potential presence of human or animal waste in the water.”
For local government, protecting the public means regularly monitoring water quality where people swim and or come in contact with water, and letting them know the results before they get wet. The San Mateo County Health Department routinely tests for bacteria at 38 popular recreational areas, and posts warnings whenever visitors should know to pick another beach for their fun in the sun that day. Sites with problems are re-tested, and signs removed as soon as conditions are safe again.
While rigorous testing is important, it is not enough. We need to retrofit our urban drainage systems to minimize stormwater volume carrying pollutants to our creeks and shorelines. Our decades-old storm drainage systems were designed and built for flood control and are very efficient at carrying large amounts of runoff from all of our impervious surfaces quickly to creeks, the Bay, and ocean, without any treatment. As indicated in my recent Letter to the Editor, I agree with NRDC that we need to incorporate “green infrastructure” such as pervious pavement, green roofs, and “rain gardens” to help slow down and absorb rainwater. Although widespread change will take time, resources, and significant public support, we already have great examples in San Mateo County where green infrastructure has been implemented to manage stormwater runoff. From vegetated swales in Montara and Moss Beach to green streets and parking lots in Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, and San Bruno, we’re collectively making strides in this direction.
- Keeping our waters clean is a team effort though, in which every resident, business, and pet owner can participate.
- Homeowners can help manage their own stormwater runoff by installing rain barrels and building rain gardens.
- Sewer lines and septic systems must be properly maintained and upgraded before they fail.
- Dog and horse owners need to pick up after their pets, both on the street or trail and also in their own backyards.
- Clean beaches are something everyone in San Mateo County should expect. Please join our Team Effort and do your part to help make this a reality.
– Matt Fabry, San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program Coordinator
