Due to the recent rainfall, run-off is likely to enter ocean waters in the Los Angeles County area, prompting county health officials to warn residents not to go into the ocean either to swim, surf, or play for at least 72 hours after the rainfall ends.
That is because discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers that lead to the ocean carry run-off from urban and wilderness areas containing high levels of bacteria and other germs. The risk is elevated in all beach areas but is highest where the storm drains and creeks enter the ocean. These elevated bacteria levels may cause some people to become ill.
The advisory will be in effect until Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline, which (800) 525-5662. Information is also available online at www.lapublichealth.org/beach.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 7, 2008. Read the original PDF.