Surface Water - Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results

This dataset contains fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) monitoring results collected from surface waters across California. It includes results for _Escherichia coli_ (E. coli), enterococci, fecal coliforms, and total coliforms - key indicators used to assess microbial water quality and potential health risks associated with recreational water use. The data has been cleaned and standardized to ensure consistency and usability. For each valid data point, the dataset also includes calculated 6-week and 30-day geometric means, which are commonly used to evaluate long-term water quality trends and compliance with bacteria water quality objectives. Some records are excluded from the final dataset during processing. These typically include duplicate or replicate results, records with missing or invalid result values, or any data that cannot be used to calculate a geometric mean. These records are saved to the "Excluded Records" data resource. This dataset serves as the primary data source for the Water Boards My Water Quality Portal [Safe to Swim Map](https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/safe-to-swim/content/interactive_map/index.html), which provides the public with timely information about potential health risks associated with water contact recreation at monitored sites. Data is sourced from the [California Environmental Data Exchange Network](https://ceden.org/) (CEDEN) database, BeachWatch database, and the Central Valley Water Board [Lower American River Recreational Water Quality Map](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/47e27f245e044ac2a8e15083307e75f6/?draft=true&org=waterboards). There is some overlap with the [CEDEN Water Chemistry dataset](https://data.ca.gov/dataset/surface-water-chemistry-results). Both portal datasets draw from the same source, but the resources here are updated more frequently to support the Safe to Swim map.

Data files

Data title and descriptionAccess dataFile detailsLast updated

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results - 2020 to present


Download
CSV
323.31 MB
02/25/25

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results - 2010-2020


Download
CSV
609.43 MB
02/25/25

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results - before 2010


Download
CSV
643.76 MB
02/25/25

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results - Excluded Records

This dataset contains monitoring records that were excluded during the data processing workflow for the [Safe to Swim map](https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/safe-to-swim/content/interactive_map/). These records typically include duplicate or replicate results, records with missing or invalid result values, or any data that cannot be used to calculate a geometric mean. The purpose of publishing this dataset is to promote transparency in how data is handled and to provide users with access to the full context of the data processing decisions. Each record includes a value in the "Comments" column that explains the reason for exclusion. If you believe a record was excluded in error and should be reconsidered for inclusion, please contact us for review.


Download
CSV
88.21 MB
11/04/25

Monitoring sites for Safe to Swim (no longer updated)

This data resource will no longer be updated.


Download
CSV
517.35 KB
02/10/22

Safe to Swim 2020-present (no longer updated)

This data resource will no longer be updated. Please use "Safe to Swim Results/Geomeans 2020 to present" resource instead.


Download
CSV
223.23 MB
02/10/22

Safe to Swim 2010-2020 (no longer updated)

This data resource will no longer be updated. Please use "Safe to Swim Results/Geomeans 2010-2020" resource instead.


Download
CSV
883.33 MB
02/10/22

Safe to Swim 1969-2010 (no longer updated)

This data resource will no longer be updated. Please use "Safe to Swim Results/Geomeans before 2010" resource instead.


Download
CSV
1.55 GB
02/10/22

Supporting files

Data title and descriptionAccess dataFile detailsLast updated

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Monitoring Results - Data Dictionary


Download
PDF
136.66 KB
08/10/19

More details

Tags