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Millions of Americans heading to the coast for Memorial Day weekend could face hidden health risks, with a new Surfrider Foundation report identifying U.S. beaches where bacteria levels frequently exceed safety standards.
The nonprofit’s report, released ahead of the unofficial start of summer, flags a series of popular coastal sites as “bacteria hotspots,” where testing consistently detects elevated levels of fecal contamination linked to illnesses. As record travel is expected over the holiday period, the foundation warns that pollution driven by failing wastewater infrastructure, stormwater runoff and sewage spills is contributing to water quality problems at beaches used by swimmers, surfers and families.
The foundation highlighted where its Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-run beach water-quality monitoring program, consistently measures elevated levels of bacteria. The list below shows the percentage of samples collected at each beach that exceeded the state health standard for recreational waters, it said.
“This translates to a percentage of high bacteria measured at each site as an indication of safety for recreational use,” the foundation added.
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“All of the beaches listed have popular recreational use and pose real health risks to swimmers, surfers, and families. Each location regularly shows dangerous levels of fecal indicator bacteria linked to human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and serious skin conditions like MRSA and staph infections,” the report said.
The report falls ahead of Memorial Day weekend, known as the unofficial start of summer. AAA expects 45 million Americans to journey 50 miles or more between May 21 and May 25. The organization said a year-over-year increase of roughly 200,000 travelers could make 2026’s Memorial Day “the busiest ever for travel.”
The Surfrider Foundation says aging and underfunded wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of beach bacteria hotspots across the country. In its latest report, the group points to an estimated $630 billion backlog in needed repairs and upgrades, leaving sewage systems prone to failures that release untreated waste into waterways.
The organization also highlights the role of stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as oil, animal waste and fertilizers into coastal waters, as well as sewage spills caused by overburdened systems. More frequent and intense storms linked to climate change are exacerbating the problem by overwhelming outdated infrastructure and triggering additional discharges.
Together, these factors are contributing to elevated fecal bacteria levels at certain beaches, posing risks to public health and creating persistent pollution hotspots, according to the foundation.
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The nonprofit’s report, released ahead of the unofficial start of summer, flags a series of popular coastal sites as “bacteria hotspots,” where testing consistently detects elevated levels of fecal contamination linked to illnesses. As record travel is expected over the holiday period, the foundation warns that pollution driven by failing wastewater infrastructure, stormwater runoff and sewage spills is contributing to water quality problems at beaches used by swimmers, surfers and families.
Beach Bacteria Hotspots
The foundation highlighted where its Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-run beach water-quality monitoring program, consistently measures elevated levels of bacteria. The list below shows the percentage of samples collected at each beach that exceeded the state health standard for recreational waters, it said.
“This translates to a percentage of high bacteria measured at each site as an indication of safety for recreational use,” the foundation added.
- Ballard Park (Melbourne, Florida) — 76 percent
- Margaret Pace Park (Miami, Florida) — 64 percent
- Park View Kayak Launch (Miami Beach, Florida) — 92 percent
- Thea Foss Floating Dock (Tacoma, Washington) — 29 percent
- Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica, California) — 72 percent
- San Luis Creek at Avila Beach (San Luis Obispo, California) — 47 percent
- Imperial Beach (San Diego, California) — 89 percent
- Hakipuʻu Boat Ramp (Hakipuʻu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi) — 82 percent
- Punaluu Beach Park, Chings (Punaluu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi) — 100 percent
- Moloaʻa Stream Mouth (Moloaʻa Beach, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi) — 100 percent
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“All of the beaches listed have popular recreational use and pose real health risks to swimmers, surfers, and families. Each location regularly shows dangerous levels of fecal indicator bacteria linked to human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and serious skin conditions like MRSA and staph infections,” the report said.
The report falls ahead of Memorial Day weekend, known as the unofficial start of summer. AAA expects 45 million Americans to journey 50 miles or more between May 21 and May 25. The organization said a year-over-year increase of roughly 200,000 travelers could make 2026’s Memorial Day “the busiest ever for travel.”
What’s Fueling America’s Beach Bacteria Hotspots?
The Surfrider Foundation says aging and underfunded wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of beach bacteria hotspots across the country. In its latest report, the group points to an estimated $630 billion backlog in needed repairs and upgrades, leaving sewage systems prone to failures that release untreated waste into waterways.
The organization also highlights the role of stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as oil, animal waste and fertilizers into coastal waters, as well as sewage spills caused by overburdened systems. More frequent and intense storms linked to climate change are exacerbating the problem by overwhelming outdated infrastructure and triggering additional discharges.
Together, these factors are contributing to elevated fecal bacteria levels at certain beaches, posing risks to public health and creating persistent pollution hotspots, according to the foundation.
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