Surfrider Foundation San Luis Obispo Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Coordinator Niel Dilworth was interviewed by KEYT/KCOY this week about the long-term presence of high bacteria levels in Avila Beach's SLO Creek lagoon, making the popular spot a hazardous place to enjoy the beach.
Based on BWTF’s Ten Year Water Quality Report, the Lagoon exceeds state standards for bacteria levels approximately 35% of the time.
For the past ten years, Niel and eight additional volunteers have collected weekly samples from popular beaches, surf breaks and creeks, and have documented the persistent presence of unsafe levels of bacteria in some of the most popular recreational beaches in San Luis Obispo County.
He has also secured grants to pay for laboratory supplies and equipment. Steve Allen has expanded the program to SLO’s North Coast and the Cal Poly Surfrider Club tests Morro Bay beaches. All of the testi results are reported on the Chapter’s website and stored in a database for analysis.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the SLO Chapter Website or contact Niel Dilworth at BWTF@slo.surfider.org.
