October 10, 2008

Environmental Health Services takes ocean water samples at twenty locations along the coast on a weekly basis. (Sampling locations are listed below.) Samples are analyzed for three types of indicator bacteria, which at sufficient concentrations indicate the potential presence of bacteria that may cause human illness. The results are compared to standards established by the State. If any of the State standards are not met, a Health Advisory is issued.

A Health Advisory warns bathers to avoid water contact activities due to the presence of elevated levels of bacteria. An advisory spans fifty yards north and south of the area where the sample is collected. Beaches are posted with advisory signs and remain posted until sample results indicate that bacteria levels meet State standards.

This website is updated when weekly sample results become available. This information is also available on our hotline (805) 788-3411.

UPDATE: 
Due to the elimination of grant funding by the State of California, the following locations will no longer be sampled:

Pico Ave., San Simeon 
    PICO23  (Pico Avenue, San Simeon, out from stairs)

Morro Strand State Beach 
    MB14  (Alva Paul, Beachcomber Dr. and Luzon, So. restroom camp sites)

Morro Bay City Beach 
    MB11  (25 yards north of main parking lot)

Hazard Canyon
    HAZ10  (Hazard Canyon, Montana De Oro State Beach)  

Pismo State Beach, Oceano 
    OCB11  (571 yards south of Pier Avenue, end of Strand Way) 
    OCB13  (350 yards north of Pier Avenue)

CLOSED:
none

HEALTH ADVISORIES: 
none   

NO HEALTH ADVISORIES:

Pismo State Beach, Oceano 
    OCB10  (2 miles south of Pier Ave., Post 4) 
    OCB12  (Pier Avenue) 
    
Pismo Beach 
    PB3  (302 yards south of pier, between Ocean View and Park Avenue)  
    PB4  (14 yards south of pier)
    PB5  (338 yards north of pier, Wadsworth Avenue) 
    
Shell Beach 
    SEW7  (Silver Shoals Dr., Shell Beach)

Avila Beach
     AB8  (149 yards east of pier by last stairs, San Luis St.)
     AB9  (Halfway between San Luis Creek and Avila Pier)

Olde Port Beach
     OLDE12  (131 yards west of restrooms)

Please be advised to avoid water contact during and 72 hours after rain events, as the ocean water may be contaminated.