San Diego County residents were being urged Saturday to avoid contact with coastal waters due to increased bacteria levels caused by runoff from this week’s rain.
County health officials warned swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users that bacteria levels can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban run-off. Activities such as swimming, surfing, and diving should be avoided for 72 hours, the county said.
The general rain advisory for urban run-off contamination applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach south to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. The warning is expected to be in place until 9 a.m. Monday, but it could be extended with more rain in the forecast this weekend.
Meanwhile, water contact closures remain in effect at the following locations, according to the county Department of Environmental Health and Quality:
— Sweetwater Channel and Pepper Park;
— Coronado Shoreline south of Avenida Lunar to North Beach;
— Silver Strand Shoreline from north Carnation to south of Avenida Lunar;
— Imperial Beach Shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive through Carnation Avenue; and
Due to cross boundary flows, the Tijuana Slough Slough Shoreline from the U.S./Mexico border includes Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge.
More information on water contamination in San Diego County can be found at www.sdbeachinfo.com.
–City News Service
