The Department of Environmental Health issued a General Advisory Tuesday for the coastal water of San Diego County due to recent rainfall.
Swimmers, surfers and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in oceans and bays, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.Urban runoff many contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources, including animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation.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.In addition, Environmental Health issued a water contact closure for the shoreline at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park due to sewage-contaminated flows from the Tijuana River. The closure area includes the beach-line from the south end of Seacoast Drive to the international border. Signs will remain in place until sample results indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use.For updates on beach closure information, please visit www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.
