Local Surf Spot One of Dirtiest Beaches in State

Heal the Bay releases annual report

By Sam Catanzaro

According to Heal the Bay, a surf spot near Pacific Palisades has some of the dirtiest water in the state.

In an annual survey of over 500 beaches, Heal the Bay reported this week that 92 percent of California’s beaches had recorded good water-quality scores between April and October of 2019 — a significant improvement from previous years.

One beach, however, that did not score high marks was Topanga State Beach.

“Topanga Beach, which is no stranger to the Beach Bummer list, was Los Angeles County’s only Beach Bummer occupying the number five spot,” reads the report. “Topanga Lagoon is likely the source of the bacteria pollution at the beach. The lagoon receives high amounts of bird and dog fecal matter so when the lagoon is breached, the fecal matter flows into the ocean resulting in high bacteria concentrations. An ecological restoration of the lagoon is underway which could help mitigate the poor water quality.”

Topanga recorded an “F” Summer Dry Grade, “D” Winter Dry Grade and “F” Wet Weather Grade.

Will Rogers State Beach scored high marks for summer and winter dry days, although the Pulga Canyon storm drain and the beach at Santa Monica Canyon both got “F” wet winter grades.

Across Los Angels County, Summer Dry Grades were very good but slightly lower than average with 91 percent of the beaches receiving A and B grades. Wet Weather Grades were poor with only 42 percent of the beaches receiving A and B grades, which is average for the County. Winter Dry Grades were good and markedly above average with 92 percent of the beaches receiving A and B grades.

There were 68 sewage spills reported across the County which sent 148,276 gallons of sewage into bodies of water, according to the report.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Police Identify Dog Owner in Fatal Poodle Attack

April 17, 2025

April 17, 2025

Authorities released surveillance footage of the man walking the dog and asked the public for assistance Police have identified the...

Over $2.4M in Recovery Grants Available for Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

To qualify, restaurants must have no more than five locations, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, and be...

(Video) Nonprofits Break Ground for 78-Unit Affordable Housing Complex on 20th St.

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Projected for a 2027 completion, half its units are reserved for those experiencing homelessness at the time of move-in Projected...

Burned Retail Strip Sells in Palisades, Marking First Post-Wildfire Commercial Sale

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

The property remains uncleared and will require a lengthy permitting and review process before any redevelopment A fire-ravaged retail lot...

Malibu Discovery Celebrates 15 Years With Seaside Wonderland Bash in Santa Monica

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

Cocktails, Community, and a Cause: Seaside Wonderland Arrives April 17 Malibu Discovery will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a community-focused...

Long Beach Replaces Santa Monica as Site of LA28 Olympic Beach Volleyball

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

Santa Monica’s withdrawal follows a public study session held by the City Council  Beach volleyball at the 2028 Summer Olympics...

Woman Arrested After Robbery at Santa Monica Target Store

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

An injured employee sustained a superficial scratch A woman was arrested Sunday afternoon following an alleged robbery at a Target...

Free Blood Lead Testing for Fire-Affected Residents Offered Across Los Angeles

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

Officials warn that lingering ash, soot, and fire debris may contain harmful contaminants — including lead — that pose serious...

THIS WEEKEND: ‘Rooted in Resilience’ Event to Reconnect Palisades Community

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

The program will feature live music, wellness activities, local food vendors, and appearances by local leaders More than 1,000 people...

Santa Monica Beaches Deemed Safe Following Wildfire Testing, Officials Say

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

Officials said testing revealed no dangerous levels of substances often found in storm runoff following wildfires Los Angeles County public...

Palisades Council Opposes State Housing Density, Backs Wildfire Mortgage Relief

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Two key pieces of legislation currently under consideration in Sacramento were addressed by the council The Pacific Palisades Community Council...

Officials Tout Plans to Rebuild Pacific Palisades Recreation Center

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The recreation center’s rebuild comes on the heels of a separate but related effort to upgrade the center’s playground City...

Potential Curfew Coming to Santa Monica State Beach after Violent Incidents

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The discussion follows several disturbing incidents that occurred during late-night hours on or near the beach City leaders in Santa...

Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen by End of May, Newsom Announces

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The route is critical for connecting Los Angeles, especially as summer tourism ramps up The Pacific Coast Highway, a vital...

Rebuild Stronger with Build Strong – We’re With You Every Step of the Way

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Build Strong is here to guide you through each step of the rebuilding process, from filing insurance claims to restoring...