Swimming at the beach should be refreshing, not risky. Unfortunately, several popular American beaches are dealing with serious water contamination issues that can turn a perfect beach day into a health concern. From sewage overflows to stormwater runoff carrying harmful bacteria, these coastal destinations are struggling with pollution problems that affect millions of beachgoers every year. Understanding which beaches have the worst water quality can help families make informed decisions about their vacation plans and summer outings.
Imperial Beach faces ongoing sewage crisis from Mexico
Located just south of San Diego, Imperial Beach should be a paradise with its wooden pier and excellent surf breaks. Instead, this California community sits at the center of an international pollution crisis that has kept the beach closed for extended periods. The problem stems from untreated sewage flowing north from the Tijuana River across the Mexican border into California waters.
The situation became so severe that 100% of water samples taken at Imperial Beach in 2023 failed to meet state health standards for recreational swimming. The federally managed South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, built in the 1990s, simply cannot handle the high pollution levels flowing from Mexico. This ongoing crisis has forced city officials to keep the beach closed indefinitely, disappointing surfers and families who once enjoyed this scenic coastline regularly.
Easton’s Beach struggles with stormwater contamination issues
Newport, Rhode Island’s historic Easton’s Beach attracts tourists drawn to the area’s Gilded Age mansions and coastal charm. However, this popular destination has earned the unfortunate distinction of being unsafe for swimming more frequently than any other beach along Rhode Island’s coastline. The contamination stems from Easton’s Stream, which connects the beach area to a nearby pond that serves as a drinking water source.
Storm activity makes the pollution problem worse at this location. When rough seas hit the beach, bacteria-laden ocean spray gets blown back toward shore and into the freshwater pond. Testing data shows that 12 out of 28 testing days in 2022 exceeded safe bacteria levels. Newport has installed UV filtration systems and restricts swimming for 12 hours after heavy rainfall, but the beach continues to face ongoing water quality challenges that affect both residents and visitors.
Flying Point Beach pollution affects wealthy Hamptons area
Even affluent communities cannot escape beach pollution problems. Flying Point Beach in Southampton, New York, sits in the heart of the Hamptons, where wealthy New Yorkers maintain expensive summer homes. Despite the area’s prestige and resources, this beach recorded the highest bacteria levels along New York State’s entire coastline according to recent water quality testing.
The contamination source is Mecox Bay, a stagnant body of water located just inland from the beach. This enclosed bay collects stormwater runoff from the surrounding community, which becomes tainted by the old septic systems and cesspools that many Hamptons properties still use. Local officials periodically dig temporary canals between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean to drain polluted water, but this solution sends contaminated water directly onto Flying Point Beach where families and surfers gather during peak season.
Cole Park Beach tops Texas contamination rankings
Corpus Christi’s Cole Park Beach offers attractive city skyline views and plenty of amenities including playgrounds, skate parks, and an amphitheater. Families are drawn to this sprawling parkland for its recreational opportunities and convenient location along Corpus Christi Bay. Unfortunately, the beach also holds the dubious honor of having the highest number of unsafe swimming days among all Texas beaches.
The pollution problem stems from the city’s aging sewer systems becoming overwhelmed during rainy weather. When storms hit, raw sewage gets released into streets, creeks, and eventually flows into the bay where people swim and play. Environmental officials have noted that Cole Park consistently shows dangerous bacteria levels that pose health risks to swimmers. While the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality oversees improvement projects for Corpus Christi Bay, similar cleanup efforts have been ongoing since 2012 with limited success in addressing the root causes of contamination.
King’s Beach contamination dates back over 100 years
Swampscott, Massachusetts has attracted families to its coastal charms since the late 1800s, and the town’s historic houses remain well-preserved examples of New England architecture. However, King’s Beach, the community’s primary attraction, suffers from pollution problems that are literally built into the local infrastructure. About a century ago, city planners transformed a neighborhood brook to channel both sewage and stormwater directly onto the beach.
Even though those drainage systems have been separated over the years, untreated human waste still finds its way to the ocean here. Environment America determined King’s Beach to be Massachusetts’ most contaminated oceanfront spot in both 2020 and 2022. Some longtime residents have become resigned to the ongoing pollution, with one local telling reporters that the bacteria “has always been here.” The decaying drainage infrastructure continues to pose challenges for city officials trying to address water quality issues that affect both tourists and residents who grew up swimming at this beach.
Linda Mar Beach fails water quality standards regularly
Pacifica State Beach, commonly known as Linda Mar Beach, remains popular among surfers, sunbathers, and dog owners who appreciate that leashed pets are welcome on the sand. This California beach offers the outdoor recreation that draws people to the Pacific coast, but it also struggles with persistent water quality problems that have earned it failing grades from environmental monitoring organizations.
Urban runoff draining into the ocean along San Pedro Creek creates ongoing contamination issues at Linda Mar. The pollution sources include animal waste from the many dogs that visit the beach, faulty local sewage infrastructure, and the generally poor condition of San Pedro Creek itself. Beach monitoring reports consistently show bacteria levels that exceed safe swimming standards. Local environmental advocates stress that keeping sidewalks, gutters, and streets clean throughout the community would help improve water quality at Linda Mar Beach, but the problem requires sustained effort from both officials and residents.
Kalapaki Beach Park shows consistent bacteria problems
Hawaii’s Kauai island is known for pristine natural coastlines, making the pollution problems at Kalapaki Beach Park particularly disappointing for visitors. Located less than a mile from Lihue Airport, this sheltered beach appears picturesque and sits near a large resort with extensive pool facilities. The resort pool might be the safer swimming option, as the beach itself regularly exceeds safe bacteria levels.
Officials issued bacteria warnings for Kalapaki in early 2025, continuing a pattern of contamination alerts that have been announced repeatedly for years. Water quality testing in 2023 revealed that 100% of samples from a stream leading to the beach exceeded allowable bacterial contamination levels for Hawaii’s recreational areas. This consistent pattern of unsafe conditions means that families visiting this otherwise beautiful location need to stay informed about current water quality conditions and consider alternative swimming options during their Hawaiian vacation.
Gulfport West Beach faces spreading contamination crisis
Mississippi’s coastline stretches only about 70 miles, but finding safe swimming areas along this relatively short stretch has become increasingly difficult. Gulfport West Beach received bacterial contamination warnings in early 2025, and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality cautioned that swimmers face higher illness risks, especially after heavy rainfall. This same beach was previously identified among the state’s most polluted sandy areas in comprehensive national assessments.
The contamination problem appears to be spreading beyond just Gulfport West Beach. Additional Mississippi beaches including Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, and Long Beach have received fresh contamination advisories indicating that bacteria from wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, boat sewage, or other sources are present in swimming areas. Recent testing suggests multiple contamination sources are affecting Mississippi’s coastal waters, making it challenging for families to find reliable swimming spots along the Gulf Coast during peak beach season.
Goose Rocks Beach contamination affects Maine wildlife area
Kennebunkport, Maine’s Goose Rocks Beach offers white sand and stunning views of nearby islands where harbor seals frolic in the waves. This scenic location has long attracted both residents and visitors who consider it a prime spot for wildlife observation and peaceful beach experiences. However, environmental testing has identified this area as Maine’s most polluted coastline, with dangerous pathogen levels detected at two separate testing sites.
Two contaminated waterways, Batson River and Little River, are responsible for bringing bacteria to the beach area. These tidal rivers regularly contain unhealthy levels of hazardous microorganisms, prompting Kennebunkport officials to post permanent warning signs advising people to stay out of these polluted streams. While analysts maintain that the main swimming area is not severely contaminated, torrential rain and powerful tides can increase the likelihood of unsafe swimming conditions throughout the beach area, affecting both the wildlife viewing experience and recreational activities that draw people to this Maine coastal destination.
Beach pollution affects millions of Americans who depend on clean coastal waters for recreation, tourism, and local economies. These contamination problems stem from aging infrastructure, stormwater runoff, and sewage system failures that require significant investment and ongoing maintenance to resolve. While some communities have made progress with filtration systems and improved monitoring, many popular beaches continue struggling with bacteria levels that pose health risks to swimmers and their families.