As summer approaches, travelers eager to hit America’s beaches should be aware: some of the country’s most stunning coastlines are hiding a dangerous secret. According to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 Clean Water Report, Kahalu’u Beach on Oahu, Hawaii, now ranks as the nation’s leading “bacteria hot spot,” with alarming implications for public health.
Which Beaches Are the Biggest Bacteria Hot Spots?
Surfrider Foundation’s latest report is clear—beautiful beaches don’t always mean clean water. Kahalu’u Beach in Hawaii leads the list, with 92 percent of water samples exceeding state health standards for recreational water safety. Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing in Poipu, also in Hawaii, comes in second with a 90 percent failure rate. But this problem isn’t limited to the Aloha State: the top 10 list includes beaches from the East Coast, West Coast, Puerto Rico, and beyond.
What’s Behind the High Bacteria Levels?
Water contamination at U.S. beaches stems from a mix of stormwater, agricultural, industrial, and sewage runoff. This runoff often carries:
- Road dust and oil.
- Animal waste and fertilizers.
- Chemicals from various sources.
- Untreated sewage in some instances.
This toxic mix can leave bacteria levels dangerously high—posing risks for anyone swimming, surfing, or simply playing in the water.
How Big Is the Problem?
In 2024, Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) collected over 10,000 water samples from 604 sites using 60 labs nationwide. Shockingly, 80 percent of the tested beaches and sites exceeded state bacteria standards at least once during the year. The Surfrider Foundation relies heavily on volunteers to test beaches, especially those overlooked by official state programs, building local awareness about health hazards and possible pollution sources.
What’s Being Done—and What’s at Stake?
Surfrider Foundation’s mission since 1984 has been to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe water for recreation. However, this progress may be at risk: the President’s FY2026 budget proposal eliminates all funding for the EPA’s BEACH Act Grants program, which supports water quality monitoring in 35 coastal states and territories. Without these grants, families could be left in the dark about pollution risks at their favorite beaches.
“Improving coastal water quality has been one of our top priorities since the Surfrider Foundation was founded in 1984,” the group emphasizes. “We believe everyone should have access to clean water to surf, swim, and play in.”
To fight the cuts, Surfrider has launched a petition urging Congress to protect EPA funding and support clean water initiatives that directly impact public health.
What Can Travelers and Locals Do?
If you’re headed to the beach, especially in Hawaii or other high-risk areas, stay informed and check recent water quality reports before you swim. Pay attention to local advisories and avoid entering the ocean after heavy rain, when runoff is likely highest. Supporting organizations that monitor water quality—and advocating for robust public health protections—helps protect these treasured coastlines for everyone.
Protecting Paradise: The Path Forward for Hawaii and Beyond
Hawaii remains home to some of the world’s most iconic beaches, drawing millions of visitors each year. Cleaning up bacteria hot spots like Kahalu’u is crucial—not just for tourism, but for the health and safety of local communities and the preservation of the islands’ natural beauty. Raising awareness, fixing pollution sources, and maintaining vigilant testing are key steps toward safeguarding the nation’s shorelines for generations to come.
