Is your beach safe to swim and surf? Is it ok for the kids to play in the water? Our volunteers take weekly water samples at many of our local beaches. These samples are used to monitor water quality over time and the results are available to anyone who visits our site whether they be surfers, swimmers, or beach-goers. Thus, we actively warn people when our tests show potential human health hazards in water-contact.

Such information helps keep pollution issues in the public awareness and over time is instrumental in our efforts to compel the state, county, and city to make improvements to non-point source runoff and sewage treatment. We can easily train anyone interested in helping with this project.

Please check out Water Tests for current results.

Water Samplers

Surfrider tests water samples in our Lab at 2222 East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, but we need volunteers to collect the samples from your favorite beach or beaches and bring them to a collection point.

Please note: Samples must be collected and delivered on Sunday afternoon or evening. Timing is critical to accurate test results.

This is a really easy "job" and a key part of a process you can be proud of! Surfrider would like to have regular weekly samples from as many different beaches as possible. The more locations we can test, the more effective our program will be.

TIME COMMITMENT: You can estimate .5-1.5 hours, depending on location, and once a week. We'll supply all necessary materials and train you on how to collect and transport samples. Give it a try! It's a great excuse to hit the beach!