This page provides an overview of pollution and water quality maps key to local environmental progress. The visual representations offer valuable insights into pollution trends and water quality, empowering concerned citizens, advocates, policymakers, and researchers to make informed decisions.  In today's world, understanding environmental health is paramount, as it directly impacts our well-being and that of future generations.

Overall CalEnviroScreen scores below are calculated from the scores for two groups of indicators: Pollution Burden and Population Characteristics. The map shows the combined Pollution Burden scores, which is made up of indicators from the Exposures and Environmental Effects components of the CalEnviroScreen model. Pollution burden represents the potential exposures to pollutants and the adverse environmental conditions caused by pollution. To explore this map, zoom to a location or type an address in the search bar.  Click on a census tract to learn more about the indicator data. The 12 Pollution Burden indicator maps can be viewed by clicking on the tabs across the top. Click on the Population Characteristics tab at the very top to access the 8 Population Characteristics maps. A report with detailed description of indicators and methodology and downloadable results are available at the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 website.

 

Monitoring water quality helps to protect human and ecological health. Clean water bodies enhance recreational experiences, support biodiversity, and benefit local economies. Santa Cruz County routinely monitors water quality at beaches and freshwater locations in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act, California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Regulations and local water quality control plans. If you have questions about water quality within the County or if you would like to arrange for water testing, please contact the Water Quality Laboratory at 831-454-4624. Data for each monitoring location can be viewed using the online map below. For more information visit Santa Cruz County Environmental Health: Beach & Water Body Advisory.