BEACH & BAY PROGRAM DDPCR TESTING

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

San Diego County is the first coastal community in the nation to implement advanced ddPCR (DNA-based) beach water quality testing to provide more accurate, same-day results to the public to protect their health. The new testing is the Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring program’s latest advancement benefitting those enjoying water recreation along 70 miles of shoreline. This builds upon a 2018 addition of a locally implemented South County Enhanced Program to assess potential cross-border sewage impacts to South County beaches from frequent sewage spills entering California from Mexico. This enhanced program samples additional beaches that do not meet State criteria but may be contaminated by Tijuana River flows. In addition to water sampling to inform the public, the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality reviews and shares monitoring data from cities and other storm water agencies and warns the public when State health standards are not met at recreational beaches and bays, so they can avoid exposure to harmful bacteria or viruses that may cause illness.