(Santa Ana, CA) —  The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) biennial Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, 2023 - 2024 shows the number of beach closures in Orange County (OC) caused by sewage spills, remains below the 38-year average for the 13th consecutive year. The report, available online, provides a yearly analysis of bacteriological water quality data over a 25-year period for Orange County’s ocean recreational waters and incorporates historical data during the 38-year period from 1987-2024.
 
Yearly data and trends are included that represent the period from 2000-2024 since California Assembly Bill 411 (AB 411) regarding bacteriological water quality has been in place to ensure ocean water quality meets standards to protect public health. Major findings of the report include:

• A total number of 71 sewage spills were reported to the Water Quality Team in 2024, which was well below the 38-year average of 178 spills per year.
• In 2024, 4% of the 71 sewage spills reported resulted in ocean, harbor and bay water closures representing a total of only three ocean water closures for the year.
• The Posted Warnings due to violations of bacteriological water quality standards continue to trend down with excellent water quality recorded at Seal Beach/Surfside/Sunset Beach, Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Slough, Dana Point Beach, Capistrano Bay District and San Clemente Beach monitoring locations from April 1 to October 31.
• Rain advisories are issued when bacterial levels are elevated and can cause illness to swimmers, surfers and divers. In 2024, nine rain advisories were issued resulting in a total of 64 rain advisory days for the year.

The full report, which includes details related to sewage spills as well as ocean, harbor and bay water closures, was prepared by the OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Water Quality Team and is available by clicking Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, 2023 - 2024. The Water Quality Team is responsible for protecting the public from exposure to ocean and bay waters that may be contaminated with sewage or may cause illness along Orange County’s coastal areas. To learn more, visit www.ocbeachinfo.com.

In addition to the findings of the Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, 2023 - 2024, Orange County beaches showed continued improvement by again topping the “Honor Roll” in the Beach Report Card from Heal the Bay for the second consecutive year. 

ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources. 

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