Coastkeeper just released its first annual Mission Bay Water Quality Monitoring Report, which presents a year’s worth of data showing elevated bacteria, copper, and phosphorus levels, often exceeding state water safety standards. It highlights the myriad of sources—some unique, others are the usual suspects—and ultimately underscores the need for more effective mitigation to reduce the risk to public health and the environment. The following is from SD Coastkeeper:
San Diego Coastkeeper Publishes 2024 Mission Bay Water Quality Monitoring Report Data Shows Spikes of Bacteria, Metals and Nutrients at Many Locations
San Diego Coastkeeper, an environmental nonprofit working to protect and restore swimmable, drinkable, and fishable waters throughout San Diego, published its first annual 2024 Mission Bay Water Quality Monitoring Report. The report summarizes a year of monthly water monitoring data at locations around Mission Bay, showing persistently high levels of bacteria, copper and phosphorus in both dry and wet weather, often at levels that exceed state water quality standards for safe public recreation and a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Aging stormwater and leaking wastewater infrastructure are likely sources of bacterial contamination, while high levels of copper and phosphorus could be the result of multiple sources.