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We need your help understanding how water quality issues at Linda Mar affect people. 
3 minutes to help us understand impacts on our community |
For more than 12 years, the Surfrider San Mateo County Chapter’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) has monitored water quality at the mouth of San Pedro Creek at Linda Mar Beach. While Linda Mar is one of the Bay Area’s most popular surfing beaches, it has also consistently ranked among California’s most polluted beaches. After years of growing concern, the BWTF joined forces with a diverse group of environmental and surfing organizations to form the Linda Mar Water Quality Coalition and work toward solutions. The coalition includes Salted Roots, the San Pedro Creek Watershed Coalition, Cultivar Foundation, and the Pedro Point Surf Club.
The coalition conducts weekly Enterococcus and E. coli testing at four sites along San Pedro Creek to identify pollution hotspots. In July 2025, they also launched DNA-based testing to identify whether fecal contamination is coming from humans or specific animal species. The findings are concerning: over the past two years, 85% of samples collected along San Pedro Creek exceeded state safety standards for fecal indicator bacteria, and the DNA testing identified human fecal contamination, with leaking sewer infrastructure suspected as a potential source. To learn more about the water quality findings, see the San Pedro Creek Watershed Study Report.
Now, the coalition wants to better understand how these water quality issues are affecting the people who surf, swim, and spend time at Linda Mar. They are asking community members to share their experiences through a short survey. The survey takes three minutes or less, and your responses will help:
- Document health impacts on swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers.
- Inform public agencies and elected officials.
- Advocate for infrastructure improvements and meaningful solutions.
By sharing your experience, you can help build a clearer picture of the health impacts of water quality at Linda Mar and support efforts to find lasting solutions.
Know Before You Go!
1. Check the latest water quality data here.
2. Surf and swim away from the mouth of the creek. Water quality conditions are usually safe north of the Taco Bell, except after storms.
3. Don’t let your kids play in the creek!
4. Follow rain advisories and stay out of the water for 72 hours after it rains.
Photo Credit: Chris DeVry
As Blue Water Task Force Manager, Jaime is passionate about protecting the water. With a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, she has gained extensive experience addressing critical water quality issues through her previous roles with the National Park Service and various other environmental organizations.
As Northern California Regional Manager, Sara supports the chapters from San Mateo County up to Humboldt County. After earning a B.S. in Ecology from UC San Diego and an M.S. in Marine Science from UC Santa Barbara, she has focused her career on developing and delivering science education and outreach programs to foster ocean literacy, create connection, and to instill the importance of protecting our oceans to audiences of all ages.