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 either Dr. Audrey Levine or the Water Quality Laboratory at 831-454-4624.

Regional water quality information is available at:

Santa Cruz County Water Quality Status

Week of October 7, 2019 (updated 10/9/19)

Santa Cruz County conducts weekly monitoring of more than a dozen local beaches in accordance with the State of California Recreational Water Program. The County issues health advisories when there are elevated levels of bacterial or other water quality concerns. Bacterial water quality was acceptable at ALL beaches monitored this week.

The water quality status for each monitoring location is displayed on on our on-line map where you can zoom-in on specific sites for the most recent data for each location. Please avoid swimming, wading, and other water-sports when there is a health advisory. Santa Cruz County has permanently posted several creeks and lagoons due to impaired water quality:

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. We recommend avoiding contact with ocean water for 72 hours (3 days) after storm events, especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOM UPDATE

As the water warms up in lakes and the lower reaches of rivers, seasonal 'blooms' of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) occur under certain conditions (presence of nitrogen and phosphorus, sunlight, semi-stagnant water). During October, the County is continuing to screen local freshwater sites for the presence of cyanobacteria and toxins (microcystin). Based on recent samples (week of October 7th), the levels of cyanobacterial toxins (microcystins) are below 1 part per billion at Pinto Lake. Elevated levels of microcystin were detected at Kelly Lake (above 5 parts per billion) and Corcoran Lagoon. The EPA standard for recreational water is 8 parts per billion. Please note that it is important to avoid swimming, wading, and other water-sports during a cyanobacterial bloom. When toxins are present in the lake, you could be inadvertently exposed from direct skin contact, swallowing water, or inhaling droplets. Cyanobacterial toxins can cause rashes, skin or eye irritations, stomach upsets, or other reactions. Also do not allow your pets to enter the water or drink from the shore. More information harmful algal blooms is available from

Mussel Quarantine in effect through October 31

The annual California Department of Public Health (CDPH) quarantine of sport-harvested mussels is in effect May 1st through October 31st. The quarantine applies to all species of mussels that are recreationally harvested along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries.

The quarantine 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.