San Diego County residents were being urged Saturday to avoid contact with coastal waters due to increase bacteria levels caused by runoff from this week’s rain.
County health officials warned swimmers, surfers and other ocean users that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in the days following heavy rainfall, according to the county.
The general rain advisory for urban runoff 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 at least 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Meanwhile, water contact closures remain in effect at the following locations, according to the county Department of Environmental Health and Quality:
— 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;
— Tijuana Slough, shoreline from the U.S./Mexico border including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to cross boundary flows.
More information on water contamination in San Diego County can be found at www.sdbeachinfo.com.
–City News Service