Scientific evidence has linked storm water runoff with high levels of bacteria in creeks and ocean water. Exposure to this bacteria may pose an increased health risk to humans and has been associated with skin rashes, sinus infections, and other unhealthful affects. In September 1996, Environmental Health Services began regular testing of 16 County beaches. Later expanding this to 20 beaches. Environmental Health Services posts these test results on our website and also distributes the data in weekly press releases to several media sources and interested groups. We have also developed 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
Due to loss of funding, Environmental Health Services is
no longer able to conduct weekly ocean water testing during the winter months.
Channelkeeper, a local environmental advocacy group, is sampling selected South
Coast beaches for testing in their private lab. Channelkeeper's test
results may be viewed by clicking on www.sbck.org
. The results will not be used for purposes of posting beaches with warning
signs. Environmental Health Services expects to resume testing of sixteen
beaches from April through October 2009. We regret any
inconvenience this service reduction may cause.
Ocean Monitoring Program Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Barbara County Ocean Bacterial Data Comparisons:
Beach Data Comparison: Percent Exceedances 1998-2006Other related web sites:
Project Clean Water
http://www.co.santa-barbara.ca.us/project_cleanwater/default.htm
County of Ventura - Beaches and Sampling Results
http://www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/programs/ocean/resultsxwinter.htm
Link to ocean water websites from other
Counties
http://California
Beaches -- Regulations and Guidance
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.
