Runoff from streets, drains, and rivers has been polluting the beaches of southern California for decades. Approximately 80% of the pollution in the marine environment comes from land-based sources such as runoff and pollution. Beaches all across California have streams, rivers and creeks that run into the shoreline, draining straight into the ocean. Aliso Creek State Beach in Laguna Beach, California dumps thousands of pounds of street runoff and untreated toxic waste into the ocean. Aliso Creek suffers from constant closures due to sewage spills, contaminations and various other pollution problems. It's ironic that the wealthiest county in the nation has the most polluted beaches. Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California, a few miles south of Aliso Creek has permanent danger signs for contaminated water. The beach is permanently closed due to the possible presence of E Coli in the water, although this is a very popular beach in the summertime. The standard for E Coli in drinking water is 0parts per million, which means that if any e coli is found, the water is considered undrinkable. In California, particularly Orange County, the swimming regulations allow for 5% contamination in coastal waters. If ingested, the ocean water could potentially lead to e coli poisoning, and much more serious illnesses. During the summer months, the storm drains and sewage pipes that lead to Doheney are blocked off with a sand-made barrier. This sewage and runoff piles up, festers in the sun and promotes toxic bacteria growth for months until the winter rain comes. The water is not treated whatsoever. When the rain comes in the winter, all the sewage and runoff that had been piling up breaks free of the sand barrier and runs out into one of southern California's most popular surfing spots. Hundreds of surfers every year leave the water with e coli poisoning, stomach flu, skin rashes and many more. In some cases, swimmers can contract various forms of Hepatitis from infested waters. For three consecutive years, Doheney has topped Heal the Bay's list of California's most polluted beaches. Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds clean and passing legislation to clean up the beaches. Heal the Bay's mission is to clean the waters of Southern California and finally make our ocean beautiful. Please donate to the Heal the Bay fund, our proceeds will lead to cleaner beaches and increased public awareness. The storm drains run straight into the ocean, please be ocean minded, and help us clean the place we live. Team members: Chase Carnahan, Rajiv Lala, Ronald Walton, Gabrielle Barbuto, Jenny Covett, Erin Gaughan, Max Esposito, Jeff Chudacoff