California beach dubbed one of nation’s dirtiest — with state’s highest bacteria levels

It has a real poo-nami. Those seeking fun in the sun might want to steer clear of Imperial Beach — the working class SoCal enclave was one of the most bacteria-ridden beaches in the US, per a study by the Surfrider Foundation. Imperial beach placed fourth nationally, with bacteria levels exceeding state health standards in 89% of samples collected over the last year. As of July 21, the stretch of sand remains closed to swimmers and bathers “due to an imminent health threat associated with a sewage or chemical spill,” according to environmental watchdog San Diego Coastkeeper. Justin Hamlin, left, and Maddie Tibayan, walk along the Imperial Beach pier after gathering a sample of seawater as part of a research team from the University of California, San Diego, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. AP