CA SB1395

Authorizes local health officers to use EPA polymerase chain reaction testing methods (EPA methods 1609 and 1611 or equivalent rapid detection methods) to test for enterococci bacteria as a single indicator at beach locations, if side-by-side testing over a beach season demonstrates the method reliably indicates overall microbiological contamination conditions.

Requires the State Department of Public Health to consider whether alternative testing methods can provide faster results when deciding whether to authorize their use, thereby reducing the time the public is at risk during contamination confirmation.

Clarifies that the authorization for alternative testing methods does not require their use by wastewater treatment agencies or other parties conducting water contamination testing for total maximum daily load implementation or other Water Code-required monitoring programs.

Maintains existing requirements for weekly testing of waters adjacent to qualifying public beaches (those visited by over 50,000 people annually and located near summer-flowing storm drains) from April 1 to October 31 for total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococci bacteria.

Preserves the ability of cities and counties to adopt stricter sanitation standards for public beaches within their jurisdiction than those adopted by the state.