Overview

• The Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 Clean Water Report found that 80% of over 10,000 water samples from 604 U.S. beach sites exceeded state health standards at least once.
• Ten beaches, including Linda Mar Beach in California, were identified as chronic bacteria hot spots, posing significant public health risks to swimmers and surfers.
• Linda Mar Beach showed a worsening trend, with bacteria levels exceeding health standards in 71% of samples in 2024, up from 54% in 2023.
• Key pollution sources include stormwater outlets, rivers, and creeks, with local Surfrider chapters investigating specific contamination sources like San Pedro Creek in Pacifica, California.
• The proposed elimination of EPA BEACH Act Grants in the FY 2026 budget could disrupt water quality testing and public warning systems in 35 coastal states and territories.