California's Beaches Face Fecal Bacteria Pollution Crisis.

Five of the 10 dirtiest beaches in California are in San Mateo County, with Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica ranking third worst, according to an annual report by environmental group Heal the Bay. The beaches scored poorly due to poor water circulation in enclosed areas or along the bay. The low rankings are not due to winter rains, but rather water quality during dry months when more testing is done. High levels of fecal indicator bacteria can lead to infections and illness. However, beaches north of the Golden Gate received good ratings during the summer period, and Bean Hollow State Beach was among the two cleanest in the state based on year-round testing.