🌊 2025 U.S. Beach Water Quality Report: The Most Polluted Beaches and How to Stay Safe

Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay have released their latest beach water quality reports for 2025. Learn which U.S. beaches are the most contaminated, what’s causing it, and how you can protect yourself and your family this summer.

🏖 Is It Safe to Swim? Summer 2025 Brings New Warnings About Beach Water Bacteria

As temperatures rise and millions of Americans flock to coastal destinations, a crucial question emerges: Is it safe to swim at your favorite beach?

Recent reports from Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay—two of the nation’s top environmental watchdogs—reveal concerning levels of bacteria contamination at popular beaches across the U.S. While many shorelines remain safe, hotspots for fecal bacteria and sewage pollution are on the rise.

🔬 What Do Beach Bacteria Tests Measure?

State and volunteer-run beach monitoring programs regularly test for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) like:

• Enterococcus (used at saltwater beaches)

• E. coli (used at freshwater beaches)

These bacteria signal the potential presence of human or animal waste, which can carry harmful pathogens.

🚨 Common Sources of Contamination

• 🌧 Stormwater Runoff: Rain washes pollutants (pet waste, fertilizer, trash) into rivers and oceans.

• 💩 Sewage Overflows: Old or damaged infrastructure leaks untreated sewage.

• 🏗 Aging Wastewater Systems: Many U.S. systems are 50+ years old.

• 🐾 Wildlife & Pets: Animal waste also contributes, especially in urban areas.
  
  

📊 Surfrider’s 2024 Clean Water Report (Released May 2025)

Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force tested over 10,000 samples from 600+ U.S. beaches in 2024.

Key Findings:

• 80% of tested beaches (483/604) exceeded state bacteria limits at least once.

• 25% of samples had high bacteria levels—up from 22% in 2023.

• 10 major “Beach Bacteria Hotspots” identified nationwide.

Notable Contaminated Beaches (2024–2025):

• Imperial Beach, CA: Failed every test. Polluted by cross-border sewage from the Tijuana River.

• Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu, HI: Over 90% of samples exceeded limits.

• Waikomo Stream, Kauaʻi, HI: Sewage indicators present in every sample.

• San Luis Obispo Creek at Avila Beach, CA: 38% of samples failed safety standards.

📖 Read Surfrider’s Full 2024 Clean Water Report

🧪 Heal the Bay’s 2025 Beach Report Card (California Focus)

California-based Heal the Bay continues to grade state beaches weekly based on bacterial pollution levels.

Highlights:

• Repeat offenders on the “Beach Bummers” list include Santa Monica Pier and the Tijuana River watershed.

• Their “NowCast” tool predicts daily beach water quality using weather + pollution data models.

📖 Check Your Local Beach Report Card

🌍 National Trends Affecting Beach Water Quality

1. Climate Change

• More frequent heavy rain = more runoff and pollution.

• Save the Sound reported wet-weather bacteria failures in Long Island Sound rose from 11.0% (2020) to 13.5% (2024).

2. Aging Infrastructure

• Many cities rely on outdated sewage systems—some built in the 1970s or earlier.

3. Urbanization

• Concrete and pavement prevent natural water absorption, funneling polluted runoff into waterways.

🧭 How to Check Beach Water Quality Before Swimming

Stay informed and safe with these trusted resources:

• 🌊 EPA BEACH Act Program – Federal support for water testing.

• 🏖 County Health Departments – Check for local advisories.

• 🌐 Environmental Groups – Use tools from Surfrider and Heal the Bay.

⚠️ Health Risks from Swimming in Contaminated Water

Polluted beach water can cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Skin rashes and infections

• Eye, ear, and respiratory issues

Safety Tips:

• ✔ Check beach conditions before visiting

• 🚫 Avoid swimming 24–72 hours after heavy rain

• ⚠ Obey posted warnings and closures

🏴 Top 10 Most Polluted Beaches in the U.S. (2024–2025)

🌅 Final Thoughts: Clean Water is a Right, Not a Luxury

While many U.S. beaches remain safe, rising bacteria levels and infrastructure failures threaten public health and marine ecosystems. Solutions like modern sewage systems, stormwater capture, and ongoing testing are crucial.

Before your next beach day, check water quality reports—and support efforts to protect our coasts for future generations.