LAGUNA BEACH, CA—With warm summer days inland, many are headed to the beach. However, four Orange County beaches have unhealthy levels of bacteria, according to investigators.
Experts say that a weekly surf sample collected at Laguna Beach’s Divers Coves shows that bacteria levels exceed state health standards and may cause illness as of Thursday.
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“Test results indicate elevated levels of bacteria exceeding standards in the ocean or bay waters at this location,” according to the agency. “Beachgoers should avoid contact with waters in the area posted with warnings. Usually, 150 feet upcoast and 150 feet downcoast of the sampling location is posted. Storm drain, creek or river water, and the ocean or bay water impacted by runoff should also be avoided.”
According to the agency, Diver’s Cove water samples were collected where the drain outlet and ocean would mix, or the projection thereof, when not flowing. The current status is based on the most recent sampling results. Water will be retested in the coming days.
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Water quality also showed unhealthy bacteria levels at Doheny State Beach, the San Juan Creek Ocean Interface, the Poche Creek Ocean Interface, and San Clemente State Beach, according to the agency.
Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly, Hoag.com says.
“Beach users should avoid contact with water near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers,” they said. “General advisories are not accompanied by postings at the beaches.”
Over the past 40 years, the Health Care Agency and two local sanitation agencies (the Orange County Sanitation District and South Orange County Wastewater Authority) have regularly tested the coastal ocean, bay, and harbor waters in Orange County. They look for bacteria that indicate the possible presence of disease-causing organisms.
“The results of the tests are reviewed by Health Care Agency Environmental Health staff, and if the data indicates a contamination, warning or closure signs are posted at the beach depending on the extent and cause of the contamination. Signs are posted at locations where contamination was detected so that you will know where it is not recommended to swim,” a spokesperson for the agency said. “You may also call the Beach Closure and Posting Hotline at (714) 433-6400 or click on the “Beach Closures & Warnings” icon on the menu to find the latest status of a beach.”
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