Imperial Beach 2009

California beaches are culturally, economically, and ecologically important. Significant health risks and economic losses are associated with bacterial pollution at California beaches. Recent improvements in treatment and disposal have reduced coastal pollution from offshore sewage outfalls, and contamination in many urban locations during dry weather is primarily runoff that drains directly onto the beach, or from tidal flushing of contaminated creeks and estuaries. The transport and mixing of these pollutants by ocean waves, currents, and tides are poorly understood.