Bacteria Warning Issued For All LA County Beaches: Swimmers, Surfers Urged To Stay Out Of The Water

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — The LA County Department of Public Health is advising beachgoers to avoid all water contact until at least Wednesday morning due to ocean bacteria caused by the recent rains.

People should especially not contact water near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels, including any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

"Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall," the County Health Department said in a statement, explaining that people who enter the water in those areas could become ill.

The advisory is scheduled to remain in effect until at least 5 am Wednesday, April 29, but could be extended if further rainfall occurs.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline:(800) 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.