Bacteria Warning Issued For All South Bay Beaches

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — The County Department of Public Health is advising beach users to avoid all ocean water contact due to potentially high bacteria levels.

In a Wednesday morning announcement, Public Health said that bacteria levels could be especially high near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, as well as 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 rain fall," the County health department said in a statement.

"Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill," the statement continued. "Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends."

This advisory is in effect until at least 8 am, Saturday, April 4. However, it could be extended depending on further rainfall, LACDPH said.

A map of impacted locations and more information are available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662.