Rainfall prompts health advisory for L.A. County beaches

With rainstorms affecting Southern California this week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising everyone to avoid all water contact on local beaches.

When it rains in Los Angeles County, there is a potential for higher bacteria levels in ocean waters, especially near “discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers,” as well as “any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand,” officials said in a news release.

“Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall,” Public Health said. “Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.”

Given the recent rainfall, the ocean water quality advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Saturday, though further rainfall could extend it.

Public Health added that another advisory due to impacts from recent fires also remains in place. This water advisory “from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and from Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain until further notice,” officials said.

For information on beach closures, call 1-800-525-5662 or visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.