The much-needed rainfall received in Los Angeles County over this week has extended the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s advisory against playing in ocean waters.
As it flows toward the ocean, rain creates the potential for higher levels of bacteria in ocean water, 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.
Typically, Public Health advisories about bacteria in ocean water last 72 hours after rainfall ends, but seeing as the rain is continuing through Friday morning, the expected Saturday morning expiration has been delayed.
Instead of 10 a.m. Saturday, the advisory is now in place until 10 a.m. Monday, officials said, though “this advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.”
And even once that advisory is lifted, the recent fires mean some beaches will remain closed or under advisory.
“The ocean water closure from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice,” officials said. “Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean 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.”
For information on beach closures, call 1-800-525-5662 or visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.
