Health Agency | Environmental Health

Environmental Health Services takes ocean water samples at nineteen locations along the coast on a weekly basis. Samples are analyzed for three (3) types of indicator bacteria, which at sufficient concentrations indicate the potential presence of microbes that may cause human illness. A ratio of two (2) of the three (3) bacteria types are analyzed as well. The results are compared to standards established by the State. If any of the State standards are not met, a Health Advisory is issued. A Health Advisory warns bathers to avoid water contact activities due to the presence of elevated levels of bacteria. An advisory spans fifty (50) yards north and south of the area where the sample is collected. Beaches are posted with advisory signs and remain posted until sample results indicate that bacteria levels meet State standards.

A beach health advisory occurs when a sample fails to meet one or more of the state bacteriological standards due to the presence of elevated levels of bacteria. When this occurs, the San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services Division advises that you should avoid contacting and ingesting the water until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.

A rain advisory occurs during significant rain events where elevated levels of bacteria are expected due to storm water runoff. During this time, the San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services Division advises the public to avoid water contact for 72 hours following a significant rain event.

Below are helpful links related to Beach Water Quality Testing: 

• Air Quality
• Blue Water Task Force
• Buoy Report
• Current Rainfall
• Current Weather
• Heal the Bay
• Surfrider