(05-22) 10:34 PDT San Francisco -- There might be one upside to the drought, and it's just in time for the holiday weekend. <\/p>\n
Bay Area beaches are cleaner and healthier than ever, because so little rain has washed dangerous bacteria and other pathogens into San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coastline, according to a report released Thursday by Heal the Bay. <\/p>\n
\"Dry weather has meant less urban runoff. This is all great heading into Memorial Day weekend, but we shouldn't have a false sense of security,\" said Amanda Griesbach, a water quality scientist for Heal the Bay, a Santa Monica-based environmental group. \"Next year, especially if we have an El Nio cycle, things could be very different.\" <\/p>\n
Heal the Bay's 24th annual survey of 650 West Coast beaches showed some of the highest-ever grades for cleanliness, with 95 percent of California's beaches receiving \"excellent\" or \"good\" marks. <\/p>\n
The group looked at the amounts of harmful bacteria from sewage leaks, pollution runoff and industry, pathogens that are flushed into creeks and storm drains and ultimately onto the beaches. <\/p>\n
When people or wildlife come into contact with the bacteria, they're likely to suffer from gastro-intestinal problems like diarrhea, skin rashes or eye, ear or lung infections. <\/p>\n
In San Francisco, the beaches with the highest grades include Aquatic Beach at the Hyde Street Pier, Ocean Beach at Balboa Avenue and Baker Beach. <\/p>\n
Most Marin and East Bay beaches also received high scores. <\/p>\n
The Peninsula saw some challenges. Marina Lagoon in San Mateo is a perpetual low-scorer, and 2013-14 was no exception. In fact, it ranked as the second-worst beach in the state, largely because it's enclosed and shallow and the water tends to stagnate. <\/p>\n
Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay also received poor grades, and was singled out as a \"beach bummer.\" <\/p>\n
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There's an upside to California's drought: Cleaner beaches<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" (05-22) 10:34 PDT San Francisco -- There might be one upside to the drought, and it's just in time for the holiday weekend. Continue reading