The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lifted its ocean water quality rain advisory at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26. The move ended five days of warnings about elevated bacteria in surf zone waters across all county beaches.
Caution is still warranted. Some post-rain water quality test results are not yet available, according to the department's beach conditions page. The department advises all county beachgoers to continue avoiding contact with water near flowing creeks and storm drains, guidance that applies year-round at beaches including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
The advisory, separate from the National Weather Service coastal flood advisory we reported Oct. 26, targeted a different hazard: bacteria contamination from storm runoff.
What the advisory covered
The department first issued the rain advisory Oct. 21, warning beachgoers to stay out of ocean water near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers because of potentially higher bacteria levels. That initial advisory was set to expire Oct. 24 at 3 p.m.
Continued rainfall pushed the department to extend the advisory on Oct. 23. The extended advisory covered all Los Angeles County beaches through 8 a.m. Monday.
Ocean and bay waters near storm drains can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris and trash washed from city streets and mountain areas after rainfall, according to the department. Bacteria levels may take 72 hours or more to return to normal after heavy rain.
Who faces the greatest risk
Children, elderly residents and people more susceptible to illness face the highest risk from contaminated water, the department said. The warning applied to anyone who might contact runoff pooling on beach sand, including waders and beachgoers on foot.
How water quality is tracked locally
Several South Bay and Palos Verdes cities, including Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, jointly collect ocean water samples once a week year-round, according to the department. The county's own Environmental Health Recreational Waters Program also samples mainland beaches weekly. When bacteria levels exceed state standards, the department posts warning signs at affected beaches.
What to do now
Even with the advisory lifted, the department advises beachgoers to avoid water contact near flowing creeks and storm drains at all times.
Residents can check current beach conditions on the county's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach. To report a sewage spill, call (626) 430-5360 during business hours or (213) 974-1234 after hours, on weekends and holidays.
