Surfrider Foundation Fights Toxic Rain Run-Off Draining Into Ocean

Significant rainfall in Southern California creates a serious health problem for surfers. The water quality is diminished by pesticides and pollutants that flow into the ocean from the storm drains. According to the Santa Monica Daily Press:

This run-off carries pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, plastics, and fecal matter that contain multiple disease-causing organisms. These pathogens can cause eye, nose, and throat infections; skin rashes; fevers; upper respiratory illness; gastrointestinal illnesses; and yes, even flesh-eating streptococcus infections.

The Surfrider Foundation has taken steps to combat this unfortunate situation. The CEO, Chad Nelson, Nelsen encourages people to visit surfrider.org/pages/dc-ocean-recreation-lobby-day and sign their petition. It requests $10 billion annually for 10 years to go towards the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

The Surf Rider Foundation also displays initiatives on their site that SoCal residents can follow. The suggestions include everything from picking up you’re dog’s poop to creating ocean-friendly gardens.

Check it out here.