Rain brings urban runoff to county beaches
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 the 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.
For updates on beach closure information please call the 24-hr. hotline at (619) 338-2073
Related posts:
- Flood watch issued; storm break likely Tuesday
- Del Mar sewage spill
- Storm clearing out; warning issued for surfers, swimmers on runoff
- Area gets sprinkling of rain; storm expected
- Rain expected in county
Short URL: http://www.delmartimes.net/?p=23127
Posted by Lorine Wright
on Apr 9, 2011. Filed under Del Mar, News, Solana Beach.
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This is serious – a friend of mine got a major chest infection a couple of years ago near Swami’s. He was hospitalized and took antibiotics for weeks. This is not to be taken lightly.