Water Quality Report, December 11

A GENERAL ADVISORY remains in effect for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to contamination by urban runoff following rain. Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided for 72 hours or three days following rain. [The most recent significant rain occurred on December 10. The GENERAL ADVISORY will end on December 13.]
The GENERAL ADVISORY applies to all ocean beaches and Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. While many coastal outlets are posted with permanent metal warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for General Advisories.

Closures:
In additional to the GENERAL ADVISORY for all coastal waters, the following beaches are closed to water contact due to sewage spills that may impact recreational waters:

Oceanside
Station: Buccaneer Beach at Loma Alta Creek outlet. 300' N & S.
Status Since: Dec 11
Reason: 700 gallon sewage spill to creek on Dec 10

Tijuana Slough Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Border Field State Park and Imperial Beach
Station: The ocean shoreline from the U.S. / Mexico border to the north end of Imperial Beach
Status Since: Dec 10 / Dec 11 for Imperial Beach
Reason: Sewage contaminated runoff from the Tijuana River. Flow rate is 0.7 cubic meters/ sec

Re-opened: Field measurements indicate these waters are now safe for recreational use. Signs have been removed at the following locations:

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For beaches next to storm drains, rivers, and lagoon outlets:
During dry weather avoid contact with runoff and recreational waters within 75 feet from where runoff enters ocean or bay waters. An epidemiological study has correlated urban runoff to an increased risk of illness among ocean users near these outlets.

For more information log in www.earth911.org
or call DEH beach water quality phone HOTLINE number: (619) 338-2073



Updated by Dept. of Environmental Health - County of San Diego