San Diego County Beaches Under Water Quality Advisories

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure environmental health and public safety, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality has issued water quality advisories for more than six beaches in the region due to excessive bacteria levels. This action aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), emphasizing the importance of clean water and healthy ecosystems.

Beaches Affected by Water Contact Advisories

Testing revealed that bacteria levels at several beaches exceeded state standards, prompting the issuance of water contact advisories. These advisories represent the lowest level in the county’s three-tier system, which also includes warnings and closures. Daily resampling is conducted until bacteria levels return to acceptable limits, at which point advisories are lifted.

1. Coronado: Silver Strand from north of Carnation to south of Avenida Lunar
2. Ocean Beach: Dog Beach
3. Mission Bay: South Crown Point near the restrooms and the Santa Clara Cove swim area
4. Pacific Beach: Tourmaline Surf Park
5. La Jolla: La Jolla Cove Beachline
6. Del Mar: San Dieguito River outlet
7. Cardiff: State Beach near the Charthouse parking lot and the San Elijo Lagoon Outlet

Extended Advisories and Closures

• Extended advisories remain in place at the La Jolla Children’s Pool.
• Closures continue for the Imperial Beach Shoreline and the Tijuana Slough Shoreline due to contaminated sewage runoff in the Tijuana River.

Environmental and Public Health Implications

The issuance of these advisories supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by promoting water quality monitoring and pollution control measures. Furthermore, addressing sewage contamination and bacterial pollution contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by protecting recreational water areas and ensuring safe environments for residents and visitors.

For detailed information on the county’s water contact advisory system and management actions, please refer to the official water contact advisory documentation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses water quality advisories due to excessive bacteria levels, which directly impact public health and safety at recreational beaches.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Water quality testing and advisories relate to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
   • Issues of sewage runoff contamination highlight challenges in water pollution control.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Maintaining water quality in coastal areas is essential for protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Number of waterborne illness cases related to recreational water use (implied by advisories due to bacteria levels exceeding state standards).
2. Indicators for SDG 6.3 and 6.6:
   • Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality (implied by water quality testing results and issuance of advisories).
   • Frequency and duration of water contact advisories or closures due to contamination.
3. Indicator for SDG 14.1:
   • Levels of marine pollution measured by bacteria counts and presence of sewage runoff in coastal waters (implied by contamination of Tijuana River and advisories issued).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nbcsandiego.com