Coastal water quality testing gets funding

With spring break looming and rising temperatures luring thousands of people to local beaches, county supervisors yesterday did what their counterparts across the state accomplished months ago: They found a way to test coastal water quality without state funding. After a brief hearing, the Board of Supervisors agreed to spend up to $150,000 a year to monitor water quality at 18 of the region’s most popular beaches, from Trestles at San Onofre to Tidelands Park in Coronado. The supervisors hope to recover the money after the state makes nearly $2 million in bond proceeds available to counties. Environmental groups applauded the unanimous vote, which came days before the peak beach-going season starts April 1. Read the entire Union Tribune article here.