Beach Water Quality
Since 1999, using funds from the Beach Safety Act (AB411), the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Recreational Water Quality Program has acted as a clearing house for beach water quality monitoring data in San Diego County and notifies the public when water quality standards are not met at recreational beaches (ocean and bays). The Recreational Water Program coordinates the sampling and posting of signs warning of contaminated water at beaches affected by sewer spills, when monitoring indicates bacteria levels exceed State standards, or during other events that may pose a threat to public health. The warnings (Advisory or Closure) issued by DEH for contaminated waters allow beach-goers to make informed decisions on where to swim and surf to reduce their risk of illness from water contact.
Updated information in beach water quality status can be obtained on the DEH phone hotline (619) 338-2073 or at any of the following links:
Department of Environmental Health Beach and Bay report
San Diego Coastkeeper Beach Status
A more comprehesive summary of beach water quality is available on the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card