Santa Cruz County Water Quality Status
Updated 01/08/2021
Santa Cruz County evaluates bacterial water quality at beaches and freshwater locations 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 (January 5th and 7th), Main Beach (at San Lorenzo River) is under a temporary health advisory due to elevated levels of bacteria. Water quality was ACCEPTABLE at ALL OTHER BEACHES monitored this week. If you have questions about water quality within the County, please contact the water quality program.
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.
Please adhere to local and state-wide 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
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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. Testing will be ramped up if there is evidence of a bloom.
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
PINTO LAKE FISH ADVISORY
The California Environmental Protection Agency issued a FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY for fish from Pinto Lake to prevent potential exposure to mercury from the Lake sediments. The health advisory provides guidance on several types of fish including Black Bass, Carp, Goldfish, Sunfish, and Bullhead.