Surfrider Beach is a crown jewel of surfing, an iconic beach, and the birthplace of the California beach lifestyle. Unfortunately, Surfrider is also one of the state’s most polluted beaches, receiving poor water quality grades in the Beach Report Card every year for nearly two decades.

It has been scientifically demonstrated that commercial and residential septic tanks in the Malibu Civic Center area are a major source of pollutants into Lower Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and ultimately Surfrider Beach. The Lagoon and Beach have been impaired for well over a decade and are included on the State’s 303(d) List of Impaired Waterbodies.

After many years, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) finally stepped up to solve this serious public health issue by adopting a prohibition on new septics and a phase-out of current septics in the Civic Center area while the City of Malibu pursues a permanent solution. The adopted prohibition is a long overdue, legally enforceable action that should fulfill the promise of improving water at Surfrider Beach.

There is great urgency in solving the water quality issues in the Malibu Civic Center area. Over a million people visit Surfrider annually, and beach-goers have spent decades recreating in polluted waters with major health consequences.

Enough is enough.

A prohibition is a critical step towards improving water quality in Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider Beach to protect human health and aquatic life. Malibu has the potential to move forward with an integrated watershed management approach that utilizes recycled water and filtered stormwater instead of relying on potable water for all City needs.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Sign the Surfrider Foundation West LA/Malibu Chapter's petition asking the California State Water Board to approve the Basin Plan amendment adopted under RWQCB Resolution No. R4-2009-007 – phasing out existing and prohibiting new septic systems in the Malibu Civic Center area.