For the first time in a decade, Santa Cruz’s Cowell Beach is no longer on Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list of the most polluted California beaches.
Another local landmark, Capitola Beach, also did not make the “Beach Bummer” list.
Non-profit Heal the Bay annually releases its a statewide Beach Report Card.
Previously, Cowell Beach has been named the number one most polluted beach in California.
Heal the Bay said Save the Waves partnered with the City of Santa Cruz to improve water quality at Cowell Beach by installing bird deterrent netting, repairing sewer lines, and diverting polluted lagoon water.
Central Coast beaches that made the honor roll as high-quality beaches include Asilomar State Beach, Monterey State Beach, and Spanish Bay.
