Scientific evidence has linked storm water runoff with high levels of bacteria in creeks and ocean water. Exposure to this bacteria can pose an increased health risk to humans. During the heavy rains of 1995, Environmental Health Services began testing several local beaches for bacteria. We suspected that the heavy rains would increase the levels of bacteria in our area beaches, but did not know to what extent this would be true. Unfortunately, what we found was alarming. Several local beaches were testing very high for both fecal and total coliform; bacteria which can cause skin rashes, sinus infections, and other unhealthful affects. These high test results generated a lot of concern from our department, as well as the public and the media. In fact, it was a surprise to many local citizens that Santa Barbara County was not conducting regular ocean water testing. What followed was a push to get funding for an ocean water monitoring program.
Fortunately, the program was supported by all five Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, and on September of 1996, Environmental Health Services began regular testing of 16 County beaches. Currently, 20 beaches are regularly sampled. As part of the program, Environmental Health Services distributes these test results in weekly press releases to several media sources and interested groups. We have also been building a computer database of these test results to help us understand trends and possible causes. Environmental Health Services recognizes the need for this important public resource in our community and is dedicated to our continued effort to protect the public’s health.
Map of Ocean Water Monitoring Sites
Current
test results
Ocean Monitoring Program Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Barbara County Ocean Bacterial Data Comparisons:
Beach Data Comparison: Percent Exceedances 1998-2007Other related web sites:
Project Clean Water
http://www.sbprojectcleanwater.org/
Link to ocean water websites from other Counties http://www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/programs/ocean/links.htm
Heal the Bay Beach Report Card
http://www.healthebay.org/baymap/
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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