Report rates beach cleanliness - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Report rates beach cleanliness

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- Your favorite beaches may not be as clean as they might look.

The National Resources Defense Council released its annual beach quality report on Wednesday.  The rankings are based on the amount of bacteria found in water samples taken at the most popular beaches across the country and how well and quickly the public is notified about potential water hazards.

In Beaufort County, Fripp and Hilton Head Island got the highest rankings -- three stars. In Charleston County,  Isle of palms got a three-star rating. Edisto got a two-star rating. In Georgetown, Huntington Beach State Park also got a three-star rating.

Horry County beaches received the lowest rankings in the state -- with Arcadia, Surfside and Myrtle Beach State Park waters rated with only one star.

South Carolina ranks 17th among the nation's coastal states.

California has the most beaches with the top rating, but the state also had the most beaches with the worst rating.