A public health advisory has been issued for all Los Angeles County beaches as rainfall continues to pose a threat to water quality. Residents are being urged by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to avoid water contact, especially close to storm drains, creeks, and rivers, until Tuesday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m., due to elevated bacteria levels.
The heavy rains hitting the city are to blame, funneling pollutants from urban run-off into the ocean. Visitors are strongly advised to stay clear of the water near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers which can be teeming with contaminants including bacteria, chemicals, and debris, that can cause illness, the department warned.
"Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill," stated the advisory. While the rain advisory is set to expire after 72 hours past the rainfall, it may get extended if additional rain hits the county. Concerned residents and beachgoers can stay informed by accessing the County's beach closure hotline available 24 hours a day, the department added.
As more rain may be on the horizon, the situation is fluid, and the public should stay up to date by checking the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's website for the latest updates and a map of the affected areas. For more detailed information, including status updates, the public can also call the County's beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662, provided by the County's release.
