On The Web: Wastewater - Clean Water Act

Of 40 wastewater plants that discharge treated sewage into the ocean off the California coast, only four still do not meet standards required in 1977 under the federal Clean Water Act. The four are Morro Bay, San Diego, Orange County and Goleta, a town of 55,000 south of Santa Barbara. Two of those, Orange County and Goleta, already have approved upgrades.

Treating sewage more thoroughly before it is released into the ocean reduces the risk of parasites, viruses, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants getting into the ocean.