It's Safe to Go Back in the Water

The beaches around the San Clemente Pier are being reopened this afternoon after environmental testing determined that this week’s raw sewage spill no longer poses a health hazard.

Until today, local waters contained elevated levels of microorganisms that could make swimmers sick.

An electrical failure at the city’s Main Pump Station, caused a back-up that sent 5,200 gallons of raw sewage gushing into the ocean at the base of the San Clemente Pier Monday. The spill created hazardous health conditions for swimmers and surfers, triggering a beach closure for a half-mile to either side of the pier.

Sewer flow has been restored with temporary bypass pumps, and city staff are evaluating steps for a permanent repair, according to a city statement.

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• Photo Credit: Patch Archive