Cowell Beach no longer on “Beach Bummer” list, three Central Coast beaches make honor roll

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) For the first time in ten years, Cowell Beach is no longer on Heal the Bay's "Beach Bummer" list.

Capitola Beach also did not make the list.

The nonprofit releases a statewide Beach Report Card, and this year it shared how the beach has improved in weekly levels of ocean bacterial pollution.

In past years, Cowell Beach has been named the number one most polluted beach in California.

Heal the Bay said Save the Waves partnered with the City of Santa Cruz to improve water quality at Cowell Beach by installing bird deterrent netting, repairing sewer lines and diverting polluted lagoon water.

Central Coast beaches that made the honor roll include Asilomar State Beach, Monterey State Beach and Spanish Bay. It is the first time they have been on the honor roll.

Read the Beach Report Card below.