Beach Alert Front Page

For the latest information about beach postings or closures based on the most recent bacteriological test information, call the Beach Condition Hotline 1-800-347-6363. 

AS OF 5/21/2013 LOVER'S POINT AND STILLWATER COVE ARE UNDER ADVISORY. BACTERIA LEVELS HAVE EXCEEDED HEALTH GUIDELINES. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO HAVE OCEAN WATER CONTACT AT THIS TIME. ALL OTHER BEACHES ARE OPEN WITHOUT RESTRICTION.

All other beaches are open without restrictions.

In accordance with State statutes, the Monterey County Health Department monitors ocean water at public beaches and water contact sports areas. Water samples are collected from sites that are: 1) visited by over 50,000 people annually; and 2) adjacent to storm drains (including rivers, creeks and streams). These samples are analyzed for bacteriological "indicator" organisms. Elevated concentrations of indicator organisms are suggestive of contamination by human sewage and other wastes which may result in human disease. When bacterial indicator organisms exceed the State guidelines for beaches, the County Health Department takes appropriate actions to ensure that the public is safe, and that the causes of contamination are addressed.

Ocean water quality standards for public beaches establish numeric limits for total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, and Enterococcus bacteria. These organisms do not necessarily cause disease in humans. They are good indicators of microbiological contamination and are used as a substitute by health authorities for disease causing organisms (such as hepatitis, dysentery, cholera, etc) that are likely to be present in sewage but are difficult to analyze for directly. State-wide standards establish levels of bacteria that should not be exceeded at public beaches or public water contact sports areas.

Contact with contaminated ocean water may cause illness.

Do not  swim in or have contact with water coming from storm drains. Such water may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or chemicals, and contact with storm drain water may cause illness. Do not enter water after rainstorms as bacterial levels increase with the increased runoff into the bay.

Beaches are sampled Monthly from November to April, then weekly between April 1 and October 31 of each calendar year.

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Criteria for single samples

Criteria for 30-day Logarithmic Mean Average