Ocean Monitoring Program

 

Sampling efforts by Environmental Health Services and other jurisdictions have demonstrated that high levels of bacteria in creeks and ocean water are often associated with storm water runoff.  While indicator bacteria are not in themselves pathogenic, their presence indicates that disease causing bacteria may be present.  Anecdotal reports have linked high levels of indicator bacteria with skin rashes, sinus infections, and other unhealthful conditions.

In September 1996, Environmental Health Services began weekly year-round testing of 20 beaches between Carpinteria and Guadalupe Dunes, supported by a combination of State and local funding.  Due to reductions in available funding, Environmental Health Services currently tests 16 beaches between April 1 and October 31.  In addition, selected beaches were tested during the winter months by the City of Santa Barbara and by Channelkeeper using volunteer samplers and their own private laboratory. Environmental Health Services distributes test results in weekly press releases to several media sources and interested groups and maintains a computer database of past test results to help us understand trends.

Current test results

Ocean Monitoring Program Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Santa Barbara County Ocean Bacterial Data Comparisons:

Beach Data Comparison: Percent Exceedances 1998-2007

Other related web sites:

To reach our 24 hour recorded Ocean Water Quality Hotline, call 805/681-4949.

If you have any questions regarding the Ocean Monitoring Program, please contact Willie Brummett by e-mail
(wbrumme@co.santa-barbara.ca.us) or by phone (805-681-4944).

Of course, you can always reach our front office personnel at 805-681-4900 during normal business hours.

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