The Department of Environmental Health issued a general advisory for the coastal waters of San Diego County Friday. Swimmers, surfers and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria may increase significantly in ocean and bay waters due to urban runoff following rain.
Runoff, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets, may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation.
While many coastal storm drains within San Diego County are permanently posted with white metal warning signs, additional temporary warning signs are not posted for general advisories.
Water activities should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain. This includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.
In addition, Environmental Health issued a water contact closure for the ocean shorelines at Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to sewage-contaminated flows from the Tijuana River. The closure area includes the beach-line from the International Border to the north end of the Tijuana Slough Wildlife Refuge at the south end of Seacoast Drive.
Signs will remain in place until sample results indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use.
For updates on beach closure information please www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hr. hotline at (619) 338-2073.
