Overview

• Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 Clean Water Report found 80% of 604 monitored U.S. beach sites had at least one water sample exceeding state health standards.
• Ten beaches were identified as bacteria 'hot spots,' with failure rates ranging from 23% to 92%, posing significant health risks to visitors.
• Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, CA, saw a sharp rise in contamination, with 71% of samples failing in 2024 compared to 54% in 2023.
• High bacteria levels are linked to illnesses such as gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and skin infections like MRSA.
• Surfrider warns that proposed cuts to EPA BEACH Act Grants for FY2026 could jeopardize critical water testing and public advisory systems in 35 coastal states and territories.