Summer is upon us and there are many outdoor activities that we plan on doing while following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask to protect others. Banana slugs are out and about at the Purisima Creek Redwoods, and tidepools are teeming with life at Bean Hollow State Beach.
But despite the many beautiful spots around the county, there are a few locations that aren’t so hot, from a water quality perspective.
Heal the Bay has released its 2020 Beach Report Card. Unfortunately, six beaches on their top 10 Beach Bummers list happen to be in our beautiful County. Our number of “beach bummers” has tripled from last year’s report where we had just 2 beaches listed as beach bummers
The Results
Based on water quality data collected each year at outfalls, creek mouths and in the nearshore area along the ocean and bays, beaches along the coast of California are given a grade from A through F. These grades are based on water quality information provided by County health agencies. Every year Heal the Bay takes this data and presents California’s ten poorest scoring beaches, which is where San Mateo County comes in.
Ranking at the number one spot is Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at San Vicente Creek, followed by Pillar Point Harbor at Capistrano Avenue (#3), Foster City Eickenbrack Park (#4), Pillar Point Harbor Beach (#6), Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek (#7), and lastly Pillar Point Harbor at Westpoint Avenue (10).
What it Means
This report categorizes beaches into one of three types: “Open beaches.” “Stormdrain impacted.” or “Enclosed,” with different pollution implications depending on the potential pathways for pollutants to get into the receiving water. Beaches that are storm drain impacted can be polluted from bacteria flowing in from storm drains, streams, or rivers. This is important because it means that these beaches aren’t polluted solely by the trash that beach-goers leave behind. It indicates that beach pollution can come from far inland, transported to the beach by streams and storm drains.
Common pollutants carried by storm drains:
- Litter
- Animal/pet/human waste and bacteria
- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
- Automotive fluids
Three of the county’s six beaches to show up on the Beach Bummers list are located within Pillar Point Harbor, in Half Moon Bay. This enclosed area has poor water circulation which has led to an accumulation of enterococcus—bacteria that typically indicates fecal contamination. This can come from leaking or overflowing sanitary sewers, wildlife, and pet waste.
How we can Improve
There are many ways we can contribute to pollution and not even realize it so it’s important to identify which actions you take in your life that might have a negative effect on our waters.
Flows to Bay offers many resources for residents to learn the best ways they can help keep our waterways clean. Here are some of our favorite tips:
- Picking up after your pet (dog, cat, goose, or otherwise)
- Being mindful when using chemicals in your yard or garden
- Being a responsible vehicle owner
- Cleaning up litter from the streets
- Disposing of household hazardous waste properly
You can also become involved with local community organizations that focus on improving the quality of our local waterways such as the Pacific Beach Coalition or Surfrider.
What changes will you make to ensure our beaches are cleaner in time for next year’s report? Write us with your comments and thoughts via our contact form found here.
