Community Corner
Pacifica Beaches Score High for Water Quality
A California-wide report lists Pacifica beaches as among the healthiest in San Mateo County; but others nearby are some of the worst in the state.
Pacifica beaches received straight A’s this year from a statewide report on water quality and sewage bacteria. The annual Beach Report Card listed Sharp Park Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Linda Mar Beach as being some of the most consistently clean and healthy in San Mateo County.
Of 314 locations monitored year-round in California, 21% showed excellent water quality through all seasons and appeared on what the report called "Honor Roll." Four beaches from San Mateo county made the list, including Pacifica's Sharp Park and Rockaway.
At the other end of the spectrum, Oyster Point, Aquatic Park, Lakeshore Park, and Kiteboard Beach were the county's least healthy beaches. The report dubbed the latter three part of the "Beach Bummer" category, since they received mostly F's. According to the report, storm drain run-off is what carries common pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, and animal waste to the coast.
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During dry summer weather, 82% of San Mateo beach spots earned A and B grades; 75% during dry winter weather, and 71% during wet weather.
The report's sponsor, the Santa Monica non-profit Heal the Bay, has conducted the study for over twenty years to help beach goers understand the varying health risks of their local beaches. To learn more about it, you can find this year's report and an interactive map here.
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