Can I Swim at My Beach, Lake, or Stream?

The vast majority of the time, California's waters are open and available for recreation uses visitors enjoy. Unfortunately, there are times when it is not advisable to go in the waters due to bacterial contamination.

• County Health Agency Ocean Beach Closures and Postings
  County health agency websites and contact information provide the most immediate information on ocean beach postings and closures.
  • Postings - Warnings to avoid contact with the water; monitoring shows bacteria levels exceed standards.
  • Closures - Prohibitions on uses of water. Imminent public health threats, such as sewage spills.
    
    
• Heal the Bay Ocean Beach Report Card
  A third party rating system that evaluates the water quality of individual California beaches, based on the previous 4 weeks of monitoring results. Data are submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board from county health agencies. These report cards are updated weekly. Report card grades are based on the State's water quality standards for recreational waters. Click on a county and then on a specific beach to view information about that beach. Not a state-affiliated website.
  
  
• Assessments for Freshwater Lakes and Streams
  Currently, few agencies and organizations provide such assessments electronically. Contact your local park, concessionaire, or county health agency for more information.