Don't Swim In Ocean Until Thursday, OC Officials Warn

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — With the rain likely to send bacteria-laden runoff to the coast, Orange County health officials issued the standard warning Monday against swimming in the ocean for the next few days.

Health officials cautioned that storm runoff can carry bacteria, chemicals, trash and other health hazards into the ocean, potentially causing sickness in people who swim in contaminated water.

“The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms,” the OC Health Care agency said on its website.

“The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff. Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.”

The hazard is particularly high around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, health officials said.

— Patch staffer Michael Wittner and City News Service contributed to this report.