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Environmental Health

Contact information and regional water quality websites

Please report water quality concerns to the Water Quality Laboratory at 831-454-4624 or the Environmental Health Office at 831-454-2022. Illnesses related to water exposure can be reported at this link. The County conducts follow-up investigations, as needed.

For questions about the monitoring program or iif you would like to arrange for water testing, please contact the Water Quality Laboratory at 831-454-4624. 

Regional water quality information is available at:

 

 

 

 

 Santa Cruz County Water Quality Status
Updated 5/22/2020

Santa Cruz County evaluates bacterial water quality at beaches in accordance with State requirements. Data for each monitoring location can be viewed using the on-line map. Please avoid swimming, wading, and other water-sports when there is a health advisory or if beaches are closed. 

Based on the most recent sampling (May 21st), Elevated levels of bacteria were detected at  Capitola Beach (at Soquel Creek).  Water quality was ACCEPTABLEat ALL other monitored BEACHES this week.  If you have questions about water quality within the County, please contact the water quality program.

Please adhere to local and state-wide shelter-in-place requirements and all  COVID-19 Precautions including maintaining distance from other people (at least 6 ft), face-coverings, copious washing with freshwater and soap, and staying away from other people, especially if you are not feeling well.

Santa Cruz County has permanently posted seven creeks and lagoons due to impaired water quality (listed from North to South):

  • Moore Creek Lagoon
  • Neary Lagoon outfall at Cowell Beach 
  • San Lorenzo River mouth
  • Schwann Lagoon at Twin Lakes Beach
  • Soquel Creek mouth at Capitola Beach
  • Porter Gulch Creek at New Brighton Beach
  • Aptos Creek at Rio del Mar Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please be aware that water quality can deteriorate during and after rainfall. It is important to avoid contact with ocean water for 72 hours (3 days) after storm events to prevent exposure to waterborne contaminants that are mobilized by rainfall and stormwater. We recommend avoiding contact with water in storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoons during and after storm events due to elevated levels of waterborne contaminants.

CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOM UPDATE

The County cyanobacterial toxin monitoring program uses a tiered approach to detect evidence of cyanobacterial blooms. The monitoring program focuses on shoreline testing of Pinto and Kelly Lakes and also various lagoons along the coast. Based on samples collected in May 2020, there are no active blooms. Please note that it is important to avoid swimming, wading, and other water-sports during a cyanobacterial bloom. When toxins are present, you could be inadvertently exposed to swallowing water, inhaling droplets, or direct skin contact. Cyanobacterial toxins can cause rashes, skin or eye irritations, stomach upsets, or other reactions.  Pets are also vulnerable to toxicity and should be restrained from entering the water or drinking from the shore if a bloom is present.  More information harmful algal blooms is available from

 

 

 

 

Mussel Quarantine in effect through October 31, 2020

The annual California Department of Public Health (CDPH) quarantine of sport-harvested mussels is in effect through October 31, 2020. The quarantine policy applies to all species of mussels that are recreationally harvested along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries.

The quarantine season is intended to prevent exposure to the marine biotoxins that can be associated with mussels and clams who feed on plankton along the California coast. The consumption of shellfish may cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or domoic acid poisoning.

Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.

Additional information on shellfish advisories and quarantines is available from CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133.