The Tijuana River. Photo: Gina Yarbrough/San Diego County News

SAN DIEGO–County environmental health officials have extended the existing water contact closure at the Tijuana Slough and the Imperial Beach shorelines due to sewage-runoff from the Tijuana River.

The contaminated runoff in the Tijuana River has been entering the Tijuana Estuary and observations indicate contamination of ocean water now extends from the International Border to 1000 feet north of Carnation Avenue in Imperial Beach, according to the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality.  

Signs warning of sewage-contaminated water will remain in place until sampling results indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use.