Intestinal parasites were found south of Pismo Pier and in the Cypress Street lagoon at the mouth of Pismo Creek, according to an ongoing water quality study by Pismo Beach.

Researchers have found both cryptosporidium and Giardia in samples recently taken from the lagoon and 40 feet south of Pismo Pier, said Cal Poly professor Christopher Kitts, who is heading up the study, along with other Cal Poly professors and students.

Pismo Beach is using a more than $660,000 state grant to fund the detailed study, which is a first-of-its-kind DNA tracking project that aims to identify the source of ocean pollution at the beach.

Ingesting either of the parasites - cryptosporidium or Giardia, which are also considered pathogens - can cause an otherwise healthy person to develop intestinal problems such as diarrhea.

All of the pathogens tested for in water samples taken since mid-May have been found, but, there's been no evidence so far of human contamination, Kitts said.

“That's pretty positive news,” he added.

Pismo applied for the grant funding, which was received earlier this year, after being hit with a string of ocean health-advisory postings, mostly south of the pier, in May 2007. The longest posting lasted for eight days.

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The parasites have not yet been determined as the cause of increased bacteria levels south of the pier but Kitts said preliminary tests show the culprit may be the sand.

“We seem to get really high counts (of bacteria) during spring tides,” Kitts said. “That points to the beach as being the problem.”

Spring tides usually occur during new and full moons, have the most variation in water level and also are the highest of all tides.

Kitts formed his opinion using historical data analysis from the county, coupled with recent weather patterns, including wind, and ocean tide information, he said.

He and his team began collecting water samples near the pier and mouth of the creek last summer and will continue doing so throughout the year. A two-day, hourly testing of six sites near the pier will start on July 16, Kitts said.

It's expected to take 18 months to two years to complete the study, according to city officials.

July 4, 2008