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The 11 Most Polluted Beaches In The US

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Avalon Beach

Could a swim at your favorite beach make you sick?

According to data released by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), American beaches were closed or on advisory for over 20,000 days last year because of high levels of bacteria and pollutants in the waters.

The NRDC analyzed water testing data from 3,000 beaches across the country, and identified the 11 most polluted beaches in the U.S—six of which are in the Great Lakes region.

These repeat offenders have consistently had water samples with high bacteria counts and contamination. Beachgoers who swim in these polluted waters are at risk of contracting all sorts of illnesses, from skin rashes and ear infections to stomach flus and hepatitis.

Before you head to the beach this summer, check on the water quality of the beaches in your state at the NRDC's website.

Avalon Beach, Calif.

Location: Los Angeles County, California

The Catalina Island town 26 miles off the Southern California coast has an old sewer system on the brink of deteriorating. A $5 million project is aiming to stop waste from infiltrating the waterways. Over 50 percent of water samples exceeded state standards for pollution.

Of five monitored sections at Avalon Beach, the area 100 feet east of the Green Pleasure Pier was only one without persistent contamination problems. 



Doheny State Beach, Calif.

Location: Orange County, California

A popular surf spot, Doheny Beach is also a haven for pollution because of its inlet location, sewage runoff, and bird droppings. Over 30 percent of water samples exceeded state standards of pollution.

The majority of the beach's sections had persistent contamination problems.



Poche County Beach, Calif.

Location: Orange County, California

Over 65 percent of water samples exceeded state standards for pollution in Poche Beach. The beach is exposed sewage water that's often flushed out of storm drains during heavy rains, so the county has invested in a multi-million dollar storm water treatment plant to clean up the beach. Recent dry spells have temporarily masked the problem.

Last year, a falconer was hired to chase away birds leaving droppings along the shoreline.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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