The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has extended the ocean water quality rain advisory across all LA County beaches in a precautionary response to the current rainfall, cautioning beachgoers to avoid any contact with the water until Monday, March 17, at 4:00 pm.
According to the County of Los Angeles, heightened bacteria levels could lurk near storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to runoff from city streets and mountain areas, which poses potential health risks to those daring enough to enter these waters.
Experts warn that runoff may contaminate ocean waters with bacteria, chemicals, debris, and trash, posing potential health risks. The advisory remains in effect for at least three days and may be extended if additional rainfall occurs, as per the County of Los Angeles.
Beach conditions continue to reel from the impacts of recent fires as well, with an ongoing ocean water closure currently spanning from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach, and a standing advisory stretching from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and again from Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way. For those keen on keeping tabs, the County's beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662 offers 24-hour recorded updates, and for a more visual rundown, the public can head to PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/ for a map of affected locales, as detailed by the County of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County residents and visitors can dial (626) 430-5360 for any burning questions they might have about the advisories.
