Harbor flunking its tests

A number of local beaches within Newport Harbor recently have scored dangerously low for unhealthy bacteria levels in the Newport Harbor and bay areas, officials said.

It’s possible the pollution is runoff from the Santiago Canyon Fires, but Orange County Health Agency and Heal the Bay researchers have not yet determined the culprit.

If you’re interested in following the research, once the health department collects the data, analysts from Heal the Bay put it into a user-friendly format online called Beach Report Cards.

Areas of the sandy shores out from the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina scored an “F” consistently during wet weather since October, according to Heal the Bay. Other spots such as Lido Isle have had healthy scores through the fall and into December. But after the winter rains almost every beach in Newport received failing grades.

What this means: Researchers test California waters for three biological contaminants, Enterococcus, Total coliforms and Fecal coliforms. A beach area scores an “F” when it fails with multiple indicators, said Mike Grimmer, an environmental data analyst with Heal the Bay.

Each grading is based on a 30-day period, sometimes an average for that period or for a specific date, Grimmer said.

“Most likely there is a runoff-related bacteria issue at this location,” Grimmer said. “It is tough to determine, though, during this time of year, because there have been large amounts of rains lately.”

Enterococcus is a lactic bacteria that can cause a number of pathologies, including urinary tract infections and meningitis. Testing for this bacteria has become a national guideline to testing water quality at public beaches, as it is the best indicator of human pathogens found in sewage, officials said.

Fecal coliforms may mean there is an excess of fecal matter draining into the bay, Grimmer said.

During dry weather, most of the beaches consistently score either “A” or “B,” according to Heal the Bay.

As for the exact cause, researchers are unsure.

“If we saw that during the summer dry weather then it would become a concern,” Grimmer said. “Right now there are just a few hot spots, but nothing that has raised a red flag.

“This time of year with the heavy rains, poor water quality is the norm. Just remember to be cautious if entering the waters,” Grimmer said.

For more information on local beach report cards visit www.healthebay.org or contact the Orange County Health Agency at www.ochealthinfo.com.

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].