(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency’s 2016 Annual Ocean, Harbor & Bay Water Quality Report is now available online and provides a yearly analysis of bacteriological water quality data over a 17-year period for Orange County’s ocean recreational waters.

Yearly data and trends are included that represent the period from 2000-2016 since California Assembly Bill 411 regarding bacteriological water quality has been in place to ensure ocean water quality meets standards to protect public health. The report also incorporates historical data during the most recent 30-year period from 1987-2016. Major findings of the report include:

• 129 sewage spills reported in 2016 showed a steady declining trend, down 68.3% from the peak record of 408 spills in 2002.
• The number of sewage spills resulting in beach closures remained 52.6% below the 30-year average of 19 closures per year.
• Pipeline blockages caused by roots and grease continue to be responsible for a majority (56%) of sewage spills that resulted in beach closures from 1999-2016.
• Rain advisories are issued when bacterial levels are elevated and can cause illness to swimmers, surfers and divers. In 2016, 13 rain advisories were issued that lasted for 51 days total.

The full report, which includes details related to sewage spills as well as ocean, harbor and bay water closures and was prepared by the OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Ocean Water Protection Program, is available here.
 
The Ocean Water Protection Program is responsible for protecting the public from exposure to ocean and bay waters that may be contaminated with sewage or may cause illness along Orange County’s coastal areas. To learn more, visit www.ocbeachinfo.com.

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