SAN DIEGO–The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health has issued a warning to swimmers and surfers to avoid water contact at the region’s coastal beaches and bays due to recent rainfall.
The rain brings urban runoff, which can cause bateria levels to rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets.
Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil, and decomposing vegetation. Bacteria levels can remain elevated after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean conditions.
Many coastal storm drains have permanent warning signs, however, additional warning signs are not posted for General Rain Advisories. Water contact such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided during rain and for 72 hours following the rain event.
