Initial results from the project “Microbiological Water Quality and Public Health Implications of Upland Sediment Disposal to a Recreational Beach”

Upon analyzing water (from 3 Goleta Beach surf zone locations) and sediments (deposited to Goleta Beach from the January 9^th, 2018 Montecito debris flow) that were sampled for 7 days over the period January 18^th through 26^th, Holden Lab researchers found very low, to no, evidence of human fecal material or two selected pathogens. The limited evidence of human fecal material that was found was similar in magnitude to the very low levels detected during previously monitored Goleta Beach water quality conditions in the summer months. Such low levels are not well understood, but are an ongoing part of summertime research at several beaches in this region.