A new water report shows high levels of bacteria in San Luis Creek at Avila Beach.
Each year, the Surfrider Foundation tests beach water across the country for signs of fecal pollution. Its new 2024 Clean Water Report ranked Avila Beach among the top 10 beach bacteria hotspots in the U.S.
At the San Luis Creek mouth, 38% of water samples– or one in three– exceeded safe bacteria levels. Mara Dias, Surfrider’s Senior Manager of Clean Water, said that spot is especially popular with families.
“The reason why this is concerning is because there at the creek mouth is often where families will set up with small kids,” Dias said. “They think it's safer there because you don't have the rough waves like there are down at the ocean.”
Exposure to bacteria can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal symptoms and other illnesses. According to Dias, the source could be anything from failing septic systems to animal waste.
Other California hotspots in the report include Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica and Imperial Beach in San Diego.
Dias urges beachgoers to check water quality reports before heading out.
