Health

Beach Water Advisory Issued After Rain

County environmental health officials advised everyone Thursday — including swimmers, surfers, divers and beachgoers — to stay out of all coastal waters for the next 72 hours after the overnight rains.

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County environmental health officials advised everyone Thursday — including swimmers, surfers, divers and beachgoers — to stay out of all coastal waters for the next 72 hours after the overnight rains.

Officials said bacteria levels can rise significantly after rainfalls in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets. That’s because rain creates “urban runoff” — water that can carry pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, rotting vegetation, car oils and other pollutants down gutters and storm drains to beaches, streams and lagoons.

Officials urged people to stay out of the water even if they don’t see warning signs posted. Although many coastal storm drains within the county have permanent white metal warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for general advisories.

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Environmental health officials said the warning included all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon how intense the storm was, how much rain fell and ocean and current conditions.

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field Park

In addition to Thursday’s general warning, County environmental health officials also warned people Thursday to stay out of ocean waters near the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field Park because of sewage contamination. Officials said warning signs would remain in place until water testing samples indicated the water was safe.

Please call the County’s 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073 for updated beach closure information.

Environmental Health Beach and Bay Monitoring Program