The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released its 17th annual water quality report for beaches across the United States and Laguna Beach rated as one of the best in the United States. The survey rated best and worst beaches for protecting beachgoers from contaminated water.

Laguna Beach, known for years as an artists’ colony, has more than seven miles of coastline and has more than 20 public beaches and unique coves. Laguna Beach was the only California destination commended as one of the best beaches in the study. The following destinations joined Laguna Beach on the “Beach Buddies” list for superior beach water quality:

Wisconsin: Sister Bay Beach and North Beach 
North Carolina: Kure Beach and Kill Devil Hills Beach
Michigan: Grand Haven City Beach and Grand Haven State Park beaches 
Maine: Libby Cove, Mother’s, Middle, Cape Neddick, Short Sands and York Harbor Beaches

Using data just collected from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a peer-reviewed methodology, “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” tallied more than 25,000 closing and health advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches in 2006. The number of no-swim days caused by overflowing sewage systems doubled from the year before.

NRDC’s annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that pollution caused a record number of beach closings nationwide in 2006. The number of 2006 closing and advisory days at ocean, bay, and Great Lakes beaches topped 25,000 — more than ever recorded in the survey’s 17-year history. This edition of Testing the Waters takes an especially close took at the nation’s highest risk beaches — those that are either very popular, very close to pollution sources, or both. The 2007 survey is based on information reported for 2006.

“As a resort destination, water quality is an important component to visitor’s experience in our City,” said Judy Bijlani, Executive Director of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. “We want to ensure that visitors enjoy their time here. As a coastal marine preserve, Laguna Beach has tide pools in several of our beach coves for families to enjoy. We also have outstanding art galleries, unique shops, fabulous restaurants and many oceanfront accommodations.”

The latest praise for Laguna Beach comes after the Orange County, California city was recently named number one in the United States in economic impact of the arts on a per capita basis which includes total spending by both organizations and audiences. 

About the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau
Laguna Beach is Southern California’s premier seaside destination located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego and along the central coast of Orange County. Known as home to hundreds of local artists, Laguna Beach is primarily served by Orange County Airport located just 20 minutes away.