Moonlight Beach Rates Highly in Water Quality Monitoring

The Natural Resources Defense Council recently released its annual guide to water quality at popular vacation beaches across the United States, including  Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. 

The beach ratings, ranging from one to five stars, judged beaches based on a number of factors including frequency of water testing and proper noticing of the public when bacteria levels in the water exceeded health standards. 

Only 13 beaches across the nation received 5-star ratings, with four in Orange County. Five-star beaches received the high marks for strong water testing standards as well as low bacteria violation rates.

The Cottonwood Creek outlet of Moonlight Beach rated very well, receiving 4 out of 5 stars.

Other local beaches like Swami's, San Elijo State Beach, and Cardiff State Beach were monitored frequently, but not rated by the agency. 

Beaches graded by the organization received one star for each of the following criteria met: 

1. Local officials post advisories without re-sampling.
2. Closings/advisories posted online and at beach.
3. Less than five percent of water samples exceeded national standards in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
4. Less than five percent of water samples exceeded national standards in 2012
5. Water quality monitored more than once a week