Water Pollution at Surfrider Beach

What is Surfrider Beach?

Surfrider Beach, formally known as Malibu Lagoon State Beach, is a Malibu beach about
50 yards east of Malibu Pier. The beach is one of the most famous and iconic surfing
spots, featured in movies and television shows. It is considered a hot spot for surfers
due to the perfect swells created by Malibu Point. The landscape is a scenic spot, where
mountains meet the sea.

What is the beachs history with water pollution?

Water Pollution issues at Surfrider Beach have dated back to the 90s. In 2007, seven
out of ten worst beaches were in LA County, with Surfrider Beach ranked as fifth. This
marked the sixth time the beach made the list in the prior seven years.

What are the causes?

There are various causes of water pollution in Malibu, both nature and man-induced. A
natural process that contributes to pollution involves kelp on the beach, which
accumulates high levels of bacteria. However, the leading cause of pollution in the area
is urban run-off; storm water becomes contaminated while running down the road,
before entering drains. This content carries soil from construction sites, automobile oil
and exhaust, garden fertilizers, overflow from faulty septic tanks, and trash from streets
after it storms (The Atlas of California, 2013). The substance makes it way to the ocean
through direct impact, drainage systems, rivers, or estuaries (semi-enclosed coastal
bodies of water that have a free connection to the sea). LA County contains thousands
of industrial factories, oil fields, and waste facilities, which all contribute to the pollution of
storm water. Although, pollution does not seize at indirect human efforts. Average
beachgoers directly aid pollution with marine debris. Marine debris is any accumulation
of items brought to and left on beaches. Debris can include materials carried in urban
run-off, but humans also pollute water with trash, plastic items as mentioned, and
garbage that comes from ships.

What are the effects?

Raw sewage and rising bacteria levels create an unsafe environment for swimming,
potentially causing illness. If sampling levels of bacteria are high and over regulation, a
warning sign will be posted on the beach. Marine debris affects the lives of marine
animals. The first harmful repercussion is the concept of ghost fishing, when items
unintended for fishing (often plastic) become traps (Water Encyclopedia, 2016). Plastic
remains the greatest threat to marine life, as it lasts up to 500 years, as eating the
substance can result in death.

What efforts can be made to reduce water pollution?

Rain-water harvesting device to catch storm water before it is released into drains can
be installed in the city. Also, average beachgoers can be mindful of trash, use of toxic
chemicals, and recycle plastic effectively.