Several Malibu Beaches Flunk Beach Pollution Report Card From Heal The Bay

MALIBU, CA — Thanks to heavy rainfall and millions of gallons of spilled sewage, beach pollution grades slipped across Southern California this year, according to Heal the Bay’s 33rd Annual Beach Report Card.

The nonprofit assigns letter grades to beaches across California based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution that are reported by local health agencies.

Beach grades varied widely in Malibu: Point Dume earned a sterling A+, while five other local beaches flunked.

Pollution tends to be highest following rainstorms, reflected by the "wet" grades, while dry-weather test results were generally "very good" across the state, Heal the Bay said.

Heal the Bay says people who come in contact with water with a C grade or lower are at a greater risk of contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections and rashes.

Los Angeles County is home to the state's most polluted beach, according to the rankings. Santa Monica Pier shares that first-place dishonor with Playa Blanca in Baja California.

Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey also made the list of top 10 most polluted beaches, which Heal the Bay says is due to its poor water circulation.

“As climate change continues to bring weather whiplash, our water woes will swing from scarcity to pollution. This year, record precipitation produced major impacts on water quality across Coastal California," said Heal the Bay CEO Tracy Quinn. “Now more than ever, we must prioritize multi-benefit projects to manage stormwater as both a water quality and supply solution, all while ensuring that the public is kept informed of risks to public health.”

You can view an interactive map of beach grades here.