Storm Brings Urban Runoff To Beaches In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health issued a water contact advisory Wednesday for all coastal beaches and bays due to contamination from urban runoff following the region's first strong rainstorm of the season.

Health officials warned swimmers, surfers and other water users that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, particularly near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Water contact should be avoided for at least 72 hours following rain, according to the county.

Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources including animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation. Bacteria levels can remain elevated after a rainstorm depending on the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean conditions.

The general rain advisory for urban runoff contamination applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach south to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.

While many coastal outlets have permanent warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for general rain advisories.

For more on beach closures, visit sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.

City News Service and Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.