California’s most polluted beaches revealed — iconic Santa Monica Pier sinks to bottom of the ranking again

The Santa Monica Pier has once again been ranked among California’s most polluted beaches, landing on Heal the Bay’s annual “Beach Bummer” list for the 10th consecutive year ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

According to reporting by City News Service and Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card website, the famous LA County landmark ranked as the second-worst beach in California for summer dry-weather water quality.

Only Playa Blanca near Tijuana ranked worse – and that beach suffers from millions of gallons of sewage-tainted water from Mexico.

City News Service reported that Heal the Bay attributed the rankings to elevated bacteria levels and ongoing pollution concerns.

The full “Beach Bummer” rankings were:

1. Playa Blanca near Tijuana
2. Santa Monica Pier
3. Erckenbrack Park in San Mateo County
4. Linda Mar Beach at San Pedro Creek in San Mateo County
5. Parkside Aquatic Park in San Mateo County
6. Pillar Point Harbor’s Capistrano Road Beach in San Mateo County
7. Pillar Point Harbor’s Harbor Beach in San Mateo County
8. Marlin Park in San Mateo County
9. Tijuana Slough at the Tijuana River Mouth in San Diego County
10. Clam Beach County Park at Strawberry Creek in Humboldt County

According to CNS, Heal the Bay said California beaches overall maintained relatively strong water quality grades during dry summer conditions, with 91% receiving A or B grades statewide.

However, the service reported that statewide wet-weather grades dropped from 67% to 61% because of rainfall, stormwater runoff and aging infrastructure.

“No one should get sick from a weekend in our waters,” Tracy Quinn said in a statement quoted by CNS.

“These findings are a reminder that water quality isn’t just a report, it’s a public health issue that affects every beachgoer and river user across California.”

CNS also reported that Heal the Bay’s accompanying River Report Card identified several freshwater pollution hotspots around the Los Angeles River watershed, including areas near the Rio Hondo confluence, Hollydale Park and Compton Creek.

According to the report cited by CNS, only 21 beaches statewide earned Heal the Bay’s Honor Roll designation for receiving A-plus grades in all monitored weather conditions — a steep drop from 62 beaches the previous year.

Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes Estates was among the Los Angeles County beaches receiving top marks.

Heal the Bay also urged beachgoers to avoid swimming within 72 hours after rainfall and to stay away from storm drains, river outlets and stagnant water areas where bacteria levels are often highest.

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