California beach dubbed one of nations dirtiest with states highest bacteria levels

It has a real poo-nami.Those seeking fun in the sun might want to steer clear of Imperial Beach — the working class SoCal enclave was one of the most bacteria-ridden beaches in the US, per a study by the Surfrider Foundation.Imperial beach placed fourth nationally, with bacteria levels exceeding state health standards in 89% of samples collected over the last year.As of July 21, the stretch of sand remains closed to swimmers and bathers “due to an imminent health threat associated with a sewage or chemical spill,” according to environmental watchdog San Diego Coastkeeper.This closure affects the “ocean shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive to north of Carnation Avenue,” per the advisory.

Imperial Beach is one of the many San Diego beaches that’s affected by sewage runoff from Tijuana, a problem driven by the bordertown’s booming population and failed wastewater treatment efforts on both sides of the border.The scourge has become so severe that Imperial Beach residents have reported headaches, asthma and rashes after water exposure, while airborne pollutants from the Tijuana River have even prompted “rainy day schedules” at local schools during particularly polluted conditions.Officials hope conditions will improve.In 2025, a new water quality monitoring lab was established at the coastal hub thanks to a joint effort by the San Diego Chapter’s BWTF Clean Border Water Now programs and the local YMCA’s Camp Surf.

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The findings from the Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 Clean Water Report, which analyzed over 10,000 water samples that were collected from 620 distinct sampling sites across the nation and processed by 60 Blue Water Task Force labs.They then narrowed down the 10 Beach Bacteria ...