The breathtaking shores of the Bay Area have been under siege by an invisible threat that continues to endanger the health of beachgoers and threatens the future of California’s popular tourist destinations. Linda Mar beach in Pacifica, a favorite for surfers and vacationers alike, has reportedly been rife with enterococcus, a fecal bacterium that has consistently tested positive in the majority of water tests conducted since January, according to a recent KTVU report.
This calls into question the safety of these beaches for both humans and the marine life that frequent the area. According to the EPA, enterococcus can be found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals and may indicate contamination of water bodies by fecal waste. The bacteria can stem from various sources such as wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic tanks, stormwater runoff, domestic animal and wildlife waste, among others.
Though enterococcus itself is not typically harmful and is unlikely to result in fatalities, the National Institute of Health has linked it to urinary tract infections, rashes, and some respiratory issues. However, it's essential to consider that constant exposure to enterococcus-polluted waters could exacerbate these health risks.
A San Francisco Chronicle report reveals Linda Mar is not the only beach affected, listing five of the ten dirtiest beaches in California as being located within San Mateo County, with Linda Mar ranking as third worst. The report, authored by the nonprofit organization Heal the Bay, analyzed water quality data from Tijuana, Mexico to Washington state's beaches. Notably, the report assessed the water quality during drier months (April to October), when the majority of people frequent the beaches, and found higher concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria during this period.
San Pedro Creek, which meets the Pacific Ocean at Linda Mar, is a likely culprit behind the high levels of enterococcus. In 2022, water tests from the Surfider Foundation found that the area failed to meet health standards 73% of the time. Additionally, San Mateo County warns visitors about high bacteria levels at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Capistrano Beach, and Pillar Points #8 and #9, suggesting that fecal bacteria pollution is far more widespread than initially thought.
Local authorities have taken some measures to address this concerning issue, such as placing warning signs near the south end of Linda Mar beach to inform beachgoers of potential contamination risks. San Mateo County also makes data about recent water sampling results and high bacteria level beaches publicly available. Nevertheless, the extent of mitigation efforts to combat rising enterococcus levels remains uncertain, as San Mateo County public officials have not yet confirmed the existence of any such programs.
Avoiding ocean waters during and three days after rain events could help beachgoers avoid higher pollution levels, which tend to spike during these periods. Avoiding storm drains and creek mouths is also recommended.
