Pismo Beach, a popular tourist destination on the central California coast, takes water quality seriously to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its visitors. The San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services Division is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the water quality at Pismo Beach, providing detailed information on the current status, sampling results, and any health advisories.
How to Find Out About Water Quality at Pismo Beach
Staying informed about the water quality at Pismo Beach is easy thanks to the SurfSafeSLO mobile-friendly web app and the Beach Water Quality Status Hotline. These resources provide up-to-date information on the current beach water quality status, sampling results, and any special notices that beachgoers should be aware of.
SurfSafeSLO
The SurfSafeSLO web app is a convenient way to access real-time information about the water quality at Pismo Beach. You can check the current status, view the latest sampling results, and even sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed. The app is available online or you can call the Beach Water Quality Status Hotline at (805) 788-3411 to get the same information.
Weekly Sampling
The San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services Division collects water samples from three locations near the City pier on a weekly basis. These samples are analyzed for three types of indicator bacteria, and the results are compared to state water quality standards. If any of the standards are not met, a Health Advisory is issued to warn beachgoers.
What Happens if Water Quality Standards Are Not Met at Pismo Beach
If the water quality at Pismo Beach fails to meet the state’s standards, the public is notified through a Health Advisory. This advisory is posted at the affected area, which spans 50 yards north and south of the sample collection site, and remains in place until subsequent samples indicate acceptable bacteria levels.
Health Advisory
When bacteria levels exceed the state’s water quality standards, a Health Advisory is issued, warning bathers to avoid water contact activities. The advisory signs are prominently displayed at the affected area, and the public is advised to stay out of the water until the issue is resolved.
Rain Advisory
In addition to the Health Advisory, the public is also advised to avoid water contact activities for 72 hours after significant rain events. This is due to the expected elevated bacteria levels from storm water runoff, which can impact the water quality at Pismo Beach.
Drinking Water Quality
The Pismo Beach Water Department is responsible for providing safe and reliable drinking water to the community. The department’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provides detailed information on the quality of the city’s drinking water, its sources, and the importance of protecting those sources.
Pismo Beach Water Department
The Pismo Beach Water Department’s tap water quality report, the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), is available annually. This report outlines the quality of the city’s drinking water, including any contaminants detected and the department’s compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Compliance with Federal Standards
From April 2019 to March 2021, the Pismo Beach Water Department was in compliance with all health-based drinking water standards set by the federal government. The department’s tap water quality report shows that the city’s drinking water met or exceeded all applicable standards during this period.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the water quality at Pismo Beach, there are several additional resources available. The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database provides detailed information on contaminants detected in the city’s drinking water, while the Pismo Beach FAQs offer answers to a variety of questions related to beach water quality and other beach-related information.
EWG Tap Water Database
The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database offers a comprehensive look at the contaminants detected in Pismo Beach’s drinking water, including information on substances like arsenic, nitrate, and other pollutants.
Pismo Beach FAQs
The City of Pismo Beach’s website features a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section that provides answers to a wide range of questions, including how to find out about water quality and other beach-related information.
References
- County of San Luis Obispo. (2024). Beach Water Quality Status. Retrieved from https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/health-agency/public-health/environmental-health-services/division-articles/beach-water-quality-status
- County of San Luis Obispo. (n.d.). Beach Water Quality Monitoring. Retrieved from https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/health-agency/public-health/environmental-health-services/all-environmental-health-services/recreational-health/beach-water-quality-monitoring
- Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). EWG Tap Water Database | Pismo Beach Water Department. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=CA4010008
- City of Pismo Beach. (n.d.). FAQs • 18. How Can I find out about water quality in Pismo Beach? Retrieved from http://www.pismobeach.org/FAQ.aspx?QID=276
- City of Pismo Beach. (n.d.). Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Retrieved from https://pismobeach.org/310/Consumer-Confidence-Report-CCR