Surfrider Foundation’s new report ranks the U.S. Beaches with the most bacteria-rich areas. Hawaii’s popular beach was found to be No. A beach popular in Hawaii was ranked No.
The beach season is here, but there are some things to consider. most beautiful beaches in the U.S. might be hiding an invisible menace—and might be dangerous for your health.
Surfrider Foundation released its latest report on the organization. 2024 Clean Water ReportThis list of beaches in America is a great way to increase public awareness on water quality concerns that impact the health of people. The No. The report identifies the beach at Kahalu’u on Oahu as the No.1 “bacteria hotspot” with a bacteria rate of 92 percent. That rate means that 92 percent of the samples taken at Kahalu’u beach failed to meet the state health standard for recreational waters, the report states. Waikomo stream at Koloa Landing, Poipu in Hawaii, is a close second with a bacteria rate of 90%.
Hawaii, the East Coast and West Coast of the United States, Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico are all amongst those beaches that rank in the top 10. All of the beaches have a great deal of importance to local communities. They can also negatively affect public health. Water contamination is caused by stormwater runoff, agriculture, industrial waste, and sewage. The report says that this creates a “cocktail of pollutants, including road dust and oil, animal wastes, fertilizers and other chemicals, as well as raw untreated sewage, in some cases.”
The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), which was established in 2024, will have 60 labs that will analyze more than 10,000 samples of water collected from 604 different sites. Surfrider Foundation also uses volunteers to test beaches not covered by the Surfrider Foundation and monitor possible sources of pollution. Surprisingly, 80 percent of beaches and sites that were tested had bacteria levels exceeding the state health standards.
Surfrider believes that everyone should be able to access clean water for surfing, swimming, and playing. Since the Surfrider Foundation began in 1984, improving coastal water has been a top priority. “Unfortunately, the President’s budget proposal for next year (FY2026) eliminates all funding for the EPA’s BEACH Act Grants program that funds beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs in 35 coastal states and territories—which could leave families completely blind to pollution issues at America’s beaches.”
Surfrider is launching a petition in Congress asking them to reject the proposed cut to EPA funding. They also want Congress to support clean water programs which are good for public health. Surfrider Foundation places volunteers in the top 10 spots to help raise awareness of pollution issues that are contributing to the high bacteria levels. The data should help to raise awareness about the problem, and find the source of bacteria and pollution.
Hawaii has a wealth of iconic beachesIt’s vital to protect the natural beauty and cleanliness of the islands by cleaning up those that have a high bacteria count.
