SAN DIEGO–The Department of Environmental Health has issued a general advisory for the coastal waters of San Diego county due to recent rainfall.
Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.
Urban runoff 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.
Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving 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. Elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean and current conditions.
The environmental health agency has lifted the water contact closure for the Imperial Beach shoreline. This includes the beach-line from the south end of Seacoast Drive to Carnation Avenue (including Camp Surf) in Imperial Beach.
Recent water quality testing conducted by DEH confirms that Tijuana River flows are not impacting these beaches at this time. This area was recently closed to water contact due to sewage-contaminated flows from the Tijuana River entering the United States.
The ocean shoreline from the International Border to the south end of Seacoast Drive will remain closed until sampling confirms these areas are safe for water contact and DEH will continue to monitor water quality in Imperial Beach.
