Map Shows Worst Beach Bacteria, Sewage Hotspots Before Memorial Day Weekend
Ahead of the unofficial start of summer, a report highlights U.S. beaches where unsafe bacteria levels could pose health risks.
Millions of Americans heading to the coast for Memorial Day weekend could face hidden health risks, with a new Surfrider Foundation report identifying U. S. beaches where bacteria levels frequently exceed safety standards.
The nonprofit’s report , released ahead of the unofficial start of summer, flags a series of popular coastal sites as “bacteria hotspots,” where testing consistently detects elevated levels of fecal contamination linked to illnesses. As record travel is expected over the holiday period, the foundation warns that pollution driven by failing wastewater infrastructure, stormwater runoff and sewage spills is contributing to water quality problems at beaches used by swimmers, surfers and families. Beach Bacteria Hotspots The foundation highlighted where its Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-run beach water-quality monitoring program, consistently measures elevated levels of bacteria.
The list below shows the percentage of samples collected at each beach that exceeded the state health standard for recreational waters, it said. “This translates to a percentage of high bacteria measured at each site as an indication of safety for recreational use,” the foundation added. Ballard Park (Melbourne, Florida) — 76 percent Margaret Pace Park (Miami, Florida) — 64 percent Park View Kayak Launch (Miami Beach, Florida) — 92 percent Thea Foss Floating Dock (Tacoma, Washington) — 29 percent Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica, California) — 72 percent San Luis Creek at Avila Beach (San Luis Obispo, California) — 47 percent Imperial Beach (San Diego, California) — 89 percent Hakipu ʻu Boat Ramp (Hakipuʻu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi) — 82 percent Punaluu Beach Park, Chings (Punaluu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi) — 100 percent Moloa ʻa Stream Mouth (Moloaʻa Beach, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi) — 100 percent Safe embed will be rendered here Service URL: https://public.
flourish. studio/visualisation/29075180/embed “All of the beaches listed have popular recreational use and pose real health risks to swimmers, surfers, and families. Each location regularly shows dangerous levels of fecal indicator bacteria linked to human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and serious skin conditions like MRSA and staph infections,” the report said.