The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning for beachgoers to avoid swimming due to elevated bacteria levels potentially caused by recent rain. This advisory was released on Wednesday afternoon, and it will remain in effect until noon on Saturday, though it could be extended if further rain occurs.
The health department cautioned that individuals should refrain from water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall. They noted that the storms from Tuesday night likely caused runoff from storm drains and rivers to enter the water at the county’s 20 major beaches, raising the risk of higher bacterial contamination.
Additionally, officials pointed out that rainwater runoff may have also brought harmful debris, like branches and logs, into the ocean. Those in vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with existing health issues, risk becoming ill if they enter the water while this advisory is active.
Dr. Amalia Almada from the University of Southern California’s Ocean Grants Program has indicated that, due to Los Angeles being essentially a large watershed, contaminants can easily flow down storm drains and reach the ocean.
Residents are likely familiar with the risks, as something of a silent threat exists beneath the surface. In late January, the environmental organization Heal the Bay halted its Beach Report Card, which evaluates the water quality of California’s beaches.
This report utilized the AF grading system to analyze water samples for harmful bacteria, including various fecal indicator species. Only seven beaches in L.A. County received recognition for having the best water quality. Previously, the county didn’t make the cut in recent evaluations, but it managed to earn acknowledgment this year largely due to Malibu and Palos Verdes Peninsula’s clean beaches. Santa Monica Pier, however, has gained a reputation as California’s most challenging beach according to the report card.
