LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County health officials issued their standard warning Saturday advising people to avoid contact with ocean and bay water at all county beaches through 7 a.m. Tuesday due to potentially elevated bacteria levels following rainfall.
The advisory applies especially to areas near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, as well as runoff that may flow onto or pond on beach sand, according to the county Department of Public Health.
Runoff from streets and mountain areas can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards into recreational waters, officials said.
People who enter the water in affected areas could become ill.
Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after rainfall ends and may be extended if additional rain occurs, according to the department.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available around the clock through the county's beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. More information and a map of impacted locations are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.
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