Overview
- The nonprofit released its 2025-26 Beach and River Report Cards on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, placing Playa Blanca near Tijuana as the state's worst beach and naming Santa Monica Pier the second-worst site.
- Statewide metrics showed 91% of beaches earned A or B grades in dry summer conditions but wet-weather grades fell from 67% to 61% and the Honor Roll count dropped from 62 to 21 year over year.
- Heal the Bay and multiple outlets pointed to transboundary sewage from Baja California, rainfall-driven stormwater runoff and aging sewer and stormwater systems as the main drivers of elevated fecal bacteria at chronic hotspots.
- The Santa Monica Pier Task Force is already analyzing 20 years of bacteria data and will use microbial source testing to identify whether pollution comes from humans, birds or other sources before issuing a comprehensive remediation plan later in 2026.
- The River Report Card flagged recurring freshwater pollution in urban Los Angeles River sites such as the Rio Hondo confluence and Hollydale Park, and Heal the Bay urged the public to avoid swimming within 72 hours after rain and to stay away from storm drains and river outlets.