Dirty beaches have become nationwide scourges. From storms to sewage overflows and overall water pollution, some beaches have a hard time maintaining their cleanliness and reputation.

Americans are fortunate to have a country full of swimmable beaches. The best ones call for water sports, sun bathing, and bonding with family and friends. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is exposure to contaminated water.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) pressures the federal government to protect all U.S. waters under the Clean Water Act. The organization also fights for policies and practices that ensure a safe and sufficient water supply through efficiency, pollution controls, better management, and infrastructure improvements (NRDC).

However, safe and sufficient water is not accessible everywhere. Water pollution has become a health hazard in the U.S. and waterborne bacterial illnesses have become a constant danger.

15 dirtiest cities in the world

The most beautiful remote beaches in the world

The cleanest beaches in the US

There are many factors that contribute to water pollution. Animals, humans, illegal dumping off the coast, people leaving their garbage on the beach, and cigarettes littering the sand are just a few.

CBS News explains, “as many as 3.5 million Americans are sickened from contact with raw sewage overflows each year, according to the EPA.” That being said, the risk is higher for young children because they tend to spend more time in the ocean dunking their heads underwater.

The dirtiest beaches in the country have water samples that have exceeded the national standards. Some of them are actually repeat offenders.

No one wants to leave the beach feeling sick, so think twice before visiting these dirty beaches.

Avalon Beach, California

590x391_04132150_1_avalon_ca_-_shutterstock

According to the Los Angeles Times, “for most of the last decade, Avalon Harbor Beach has ranked among the most polluted in the state, tainted with human sewage that puts swimmers at risk,” and “a report last month by the [NRDC] listed Avalon as one of the 10 most chronically polluted beaches in the nation for failing state health tests as much as 73% of the time.” Researchers explain the pollution is due to the city’s sewer system, which is made of metal pipes and extremely old clay.

North Point Marina North Beach, Illinois

590x391_04132153_2_northpoint_marina_il-_facebook

Although it is said to be making improvements, North Point Marina is still the largest marina on the Great Lakes and a marina this size ultimately results in a large amount of pollution.

Ropes Park, Texas

590x391_04132157_3_ropes_park_tx_-_facebook

Caller Times explains, “Texas was ranked 18th in beach water quality nationally with 6 percent of its water samples exceeding state daily bacteria standards, according to a report by the [NRDC].” Ropes Park is among the six beaches in the area with the worst water quality. Others include Cole Park and Emerald Beach.

Report a Typo