Beach Water Quality Report, January 29, 2008

A GENERAL ADVISORY remains in effect for the county coastline 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 and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.  To see a map of locations that may be affected by urban runoff flows, log on to www.beaches911.org .   Activities such as swimming, surfing, and diving should be avoided for 3 days following rain.  Unless there is additional rain, the GENERAL ADVISORY will end Wednesday evening, January 30.  While many coastal outlets are posted with permanent metal warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for General Advisories.

Closures:

In addition to the General Advisory for the county coastline, signs warning of sewage contamination are posted at the following beaches.

Border Field State Park, Tijuana Slough Nat’l Wildlife Refuge, Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and Coronado municipal beach.

Station:  The ocean shoreline from the U.S. / Mexico border to the north end of Coronado

Status Since: Nov 30.   Jan 12 for IB and January 24 for Silver Strand SB.  Jan 28 for Coronado  

Reason:  Sewage contaminated runoff from the Tijuana Estuary.   The current flow rate in the river entering the U.S. is 3 cubic meters/ sec. (68 MGD)

Call the DEH Beach & Bay Water Quality hotline at 619-338-2073 for updated information or log onto the DEH web site at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/lwq/beachbay

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