Bacteria warnings in place until at least Wednesday at Orange County beaches

The Orange County Health Care Agency has issued a rain advisory through at least Wednesday, March 18, with high bacteria levels expected due to rain runoff from on and off storms expected this week.

“The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that bacterial levels can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms. The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff,” the advisory reads.

“Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.”

Though there were no ocean closures as of noon Monday, elevated bacteria levels were reported at several locations:

In Dana Point: 500 feet upcoast and 500 feet downcoast of the San Juan Creek at Doheny State Beach.

In San Clemente: 150 feet upcoast and 150 feet downcoast of the Pico Drain at the north end of North Beach; and 150 feet upcoast and 150 feet downcoast of the San Clemente Pier.

Posted Advisory Warnings:

Bacterial levels at outlets where urban runoff mixes with ocean receiving waters exceeded health standards at the following locations the last time they were tested:

In Dana Point: 75 feet upcoast and 75 feet downcoast of Salt Creek.

At Poche County Beach: 75 feet upcoast and 75 feet downcoast of Poche Creek.

Long Term Postings due to Possible Urban Runoff Impacts:

At Newport Bay: Harbor Tower Marina at Pacific Coast Highway and Newport Boulevard.

from News: Redlands Daily Facts https://ift.tt/2w4k0f8