Officials in Los Angeles County have issued warnings urging the public to stay away from several beaches due to high levels of bacteria. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has stated that people, especially children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, could become ill if they enter the ocean water during this period.
While the specific cause of the elevated bacteria levels was not mentioned, it is common for excessive bacteria and debris to flow from nearby city streets and mountain areas, potentially contaminating ocean waters through storm drains, creeks, and rivers, particularly after rainstorms.
The affected areas where swimming, surfing, and playing are advised against include Avenue I Storm Drain at Redondo County Beach, Bluff Cove at Palos Verdes Beach, Hermosa Beach Pier at Hermosa Beach, Malaga Cove Creek at Palos Verdes Beach, Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, Malibu Lagoon State Beach at Surfrider Beach, Sapphire Street Extension at Redondo County Beach, and Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.
The health department stated that the warnings were issued because bacterial levels exceeded health standards during the last testing. There is no current announcement regarding the end date of the ocean water use warnings. However, the water quality at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey, which was previously under warning, has now been deemed safe.
Regular testing of ocean water bacteria levels is conducted by the health department, and advisories will be lifted once the levels meet the standards set by the state of California. For up-to-date information on beach closures and warnings, the public is encouraged to visit the L.A. County Department of Health’s website or contact the county’s hotline.
