Sewage Spills Lead To Beach And Bay Closures From San Onofre State Beach To The Border

SAN DIEGO — Numerous beaches and bodies of water — including San Diego Bay — remain closed today due to high bacteria from sewage spills, according to the county's Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

Affected beaches include those from San Onofre State Beach south to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, Sweetwater Regional Park's Morrison Pond, South Ponto State Beach and San Diego Bay "including all water north and west of Chollas Creek, up to Shelter Island," the county said.

"The public is advised that the water contains sewage and may cause illness," SD County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, told City News Service. "The water contact closure will remain in place until sampling and field observations confirm these areas are safe for water contact."

DEHQ also extended the General Rain Advisory for all coastal beaches and bays, advising beachgoers to avoid any contact with the water to include swimming, surfing and diving for 72 hours following the rain event

"The Department of Environmental Health and Quality has issued a GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to contamination by urban runoff following rain," the county said in a news release.

Continued orders remain in place for Children's Pool in La Jolla and Tourmaline Surf Park in Pacific Beach due to high bacteria levels.

Tijuana Slough, Imperial Beach, Silver Strand Coronado Shorelines and Carlsbad State Beach, are also closed due to high bacteria levels, the county said.

The advisory is expected to be lifted Jan. 19 at 9 a.m., the county said.

For updates on beach advisory and closure information visit San Diego County's Beach and Bay Water Quality Program website or call the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.

City News Service contributed to this story.