In an unfortunate turn of events, the City of Long Beach Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has called for a mandatory closure of all coastal swimming areas in Long Beach due to a significant sewage spill that has impacted water quality, as initially reported by the Long Beach city press release. According to the release, a grease blockage in Rowland Heights, some 30 miles upstream, caused approximately 10,500 gallons of sewage to flood the San Gabriel River, which inevitably runs into Long Beach's stretch of the Pacific Ocean.
This environmental hiccup not only prompted the beach closure, but also heightened concerns as Long Beach had already issued a rain advisory recommending residents to eschew swimming for 72 hours post-precipitation, as mentioned on the city's website, but a sewage spill, unlike a rain advisory, necessitates a mandatory shutdown with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to inform the public as city workers post signs warning of the risks, while updates are made available both via an informatory hotline and the Long Beach recreational beach water quality website, ensuring swimmers and beach aficionados alike stay informed on the status of their local waters.
"The City of Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality health inspection team is monitoring water quality along the beach and will continue to do so until results meet the State water quality standards," as stated by the City of Long Beach. For further queries, contact has been directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer for the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.
