Coastal communities, with their proximity to waterways, require extra pollution prevention efforts to protect our cherished recreational areas and sensitive ecosystems.
Harmful pollutants that are discarded across San Mateo County’s watersheds are transported by stormwater through our creeks and storm drains and end up in the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Recreational activities alongside coastal trails and at dog-friendly beaches can lead to a higher prevalence of trash and pet waste that can severely impact coastal water quality and threaten human and environmental health.
Unfortunately, we have observed these impacts at beloved coastal sites. Notably, in 2013 the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) observed high levels of bacteria pollution in the waters of Pacifica State Beach and San Pedro Creek. In 2016, the Water Board also measured significant levels of bacteria pollution at San Vincente Creek, which notably drains into the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, an area with a wide diversity of marine life.
Even if you don’t live on the coast, you can do your part to keep our coastal waters healthy by cleaning up after your pet, properly disposing of trash, minimizing the use of toxic chemicals like pesticides, and NEVER putting anything into the storm drain. Visit the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability’s website to learn more about our local water quality staff’s efforts to protect coastal watersheds from stormwater pollution.
