Santa Cruz County Water Quality Status
Updated 09/22/2021
Santa Cruz County evaluates bacterial water quality at beaches and freshwater locations in accordance with State requirements. Based on the most recent sampling (September 21st), water quality was ACCEPTABLE at ALL BEACHES monitored this week. Data for each monitoring location can be viewed using the on-line map. Please be aware that a health advisory is issued if there is a risk of illness from direct exposure to contaminated water. It is recommended to avoid swimming, wading, and other direct contact water-sports when there is a health advisory or if beaches are closed. If you have questions about water quality within the County, please contact the water quality program.
Santa Cruz County has permanently posted eight creeks and lagoons due to impaired water quality (listed from North to South):
- Antonelli Pond
- 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
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.
Surveillance for cyanobacterial blooms is ongoing. As of mid-September there is no evidence of cyanobacterial toxins in Pinto Lake, Kelly Lake, or Lake Tynan. 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.