Do Your Local Beaches Make the Grade?

The Natural Resources Defense Council recently released its annual guide to water quality at popular vacation beaches across the United States, including popular stretches of Manhattan Beach.

The beach ratings, ranging from one to five stars, judged beaches based on a number of factors including frequency of water testing and proper noticing of the public when bacteria levels in the water exceeded health standards.

Only 13 beaches across the nation received 5-star ratings, with four in Orange County. Five-star beaches received the high marks for strong water testing standards as well as low bacteria violation rates.

Locally, the beaches also fared pretty well with two of three stretches of Manhattan Beach receiving four stars and only one stretch receiving two stars:

• Manhattan Beach at 40th Street | 4/5 Stars
• Manhattan Beach 50 Yards South of Pier | 4/5 Stars
• Manhattan Beach 50 Yards South of 28th Street | 2/5 Stars

1. Local officials post advisories without re-sampling.
2. Closings/advisories posted online and at beach.
3. Less than five percent of water samples exceeded national standards in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
4. Less than five percent of water samples exceeded national standards in 2012
5. Water quality monitored more than once a week