Welcome to The Compost, a weekly newsletter dedicated to sharing important environmental news that affects Southern California. Make sure to subscribe to receive it directly in your inbox! In this edition, we’ll discuss the significance of swimming in clean water, the latest beach and river report cards from Heal the Bay, and what we can all do to improve water quality. Let’s dive in!
Growing up, I had a frightening experience with a mysterious illness that kept me out of school for months. It presented itself through various symptoms, including weight loss and occasional rashes. However, the intense stomach cramps that would bring tears to my eyes still haunt me. After numerous tests, the doctors concluded that I had likely contracted a parasite while swimming in Big Bear Lake, my hometown, before routine water quality testing became the norm. At that time, it was still legal to ride motorcycles without helmets and smoke in restaurants. Little did we know, jumping into a lake was a risk in itself. This experience taught me the importance of swimming in clean water, and it’s a lesson that I’ll never forget.
When my editors asked me to cover the release of Heal the Bay’s annual beach and river report cards, I took it to heart. Three popular Southern California beaches—Santa Monica Pier, Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, and Poche Beach in San Clemente—all received failing grades from Heal the Bay this year. These areas consistently showed high levels of bacteria associated with fecal matter in their weekly water quality tests. In my article, I delved into potential causes and proposed solutions to remove these beaches from Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list. Past experiences have shown that such recognition has prompted local governments to take action and improve water quality at various locations, such as Avalon Beach in Catalina and around the San Clemente Pier. My hope is to one day report that Southern California has zero Beach Bummers, but until then, there are steps we can all take to help.
Here are five things we can do to contribute:
1. Avoid littering and pick up trash wherever we live. Litter can easily find its way to the beach and bring bacteria with it.
2. Responsibly clean up after our pets. Fecal matter from dogs and other animals contributes significantly to the problem.
3. Advocate for expanded stormwater collection and recycling programs in our communities.
4. Support organizations like Heal the Bay, or any other group dedicated to water quality issues.
5. Before heading to a beach or swimming hole, check Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card or River Report Card for recent water quality data. Encourage others to do the same.
Despite the implementation of regulations and ongoing testing, the Centers for Disease Control reports that 7.2 million Americans fall sick and over 6,000 die each year due to waterborne diseases. While they cannot currently determine the breakdown between contaminated drinking water and polluted recreational water, addressing this issue is a priority. Exposure to waterborne pathogens can be lethal for pets and lead to long-term health problems in humans, particularly children. Fortunately, I managed to fully recover from my own mysterious illness and continue my schooling at Big Bear Middle School. Although I believe I have no lasting health issues from that time, I can’t help but question whenever a random ailment appears. Perhaps it’s just a reminder of my (early!) middle age.
Moving on to other news…
🚆 TRANSPORT: An ongoing issue with landslides in south Orange County causing intermittent train closures has led to the approval of a temporary wall by the Orange County Transportation Authority. This wall will protect the track below Casa Romantica.
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💧 HYDRATE: Ever wondered how water flowing down from the Sierra Nevada mountains reaches our glasses in Los Angeles in just nine days? Ari Plachta at the Sacramento Bee explores the fascinating process carried out by dispatchers in the State Water Project’s control room.
…READ MORE…
🛡️ PROTECT: A report released Wednesday reveals the cause of P-22, Los Angeles’ famous mountain lion’s death. Veterinarians determined that an incurable kidney disease, organ damage likely from being struck by a vehicle, and a debilitating skin infection led to the decision to euthanize P-22.
…READ MORE…
That’s it for today’s edition of The Compost. Remember to sign up to receive this newsletter directly in your inbox and share it with others. Thanks for reading!
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