PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has extended a water advisory for all Los Angeles beaches ranging from Malibu to Long Beach Thursday, December 26 until Sunday, December 29 at 7:30 a.m.
The rain advisory was issued when a significant amount of rainfall fell earlier this week. The increased levels may cause an increase in bacteria levels causing illness in those exposed. Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after a storm. The Department of Public Health suggest beach users avoid the water for a period of three days especially around creeks, storm drains and rivers.
According to the Los Angeles County website, an ocean water quality rain advisory is declared when there is significant rainfall that may cause runoff from inland to flow into the ocean. The contaminated runoff causes increased levels of bacteria leaving susceptible people at risk for illness like the elderly and children. The current rainfall has not yet reached a significant level to extend the advisory beyond the 29th.
Beaches have not been closed due to warnings. Beaches will close whenever there has been a chemical spill or the water has been contaminated by sewage.
Information for beach conditions contact 1-800-525-5662. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.
