California’s most polluted beaches revealed — iconic Santa Monica Pier sinks to bottom of the ranking again
The Santa Monica Pier has been ranked as one of California's most polluted beaches for the tenth consecutive year. It was listed as the second-worst beach in the state due to elevated bacteria levels and ongoing pollution concerns. Only Playa Blanca near Tijuana ranked worse, suffering from significant sewage contamination.
- ▪The Santa Monica Pier ranked as the second-worst beach in California for summer dry-weather water quality.
- ▪Heal the Bay attributed the poor ranking to elevated bacteria levels and ongoing pollution issues.
- ▪California beaches overall maintained strong water quality grades, with 91% receiving A or B grades statewide.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Metro California’s most polluted beaches revealed — iconic Santa Monica Pier sinks to bottom of the ranking again By Kevin Barr Published May 20, 2026, 2:49 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google The Santa Monica Pier has once again been ranked among California’s most polluted beaches, landing on Heal the Bay’s annual “Beach Bummer” list for the 10th consecutive year ahead of Memorial Day weekend. According to reporting by City News Service and Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card website, the famous LA County landmark ranked as the second-worst beach in California for summer dry-weather water quality. Santa Monica Pier beach was ranked as the second worst beach in California in terms of pollution.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from California Post
