The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health expanded a water contact closure area at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge on Monday to include all of Imperial Beach and Silver Stand State Beach due to runoff, in addition to a general advisory for the entire county coastline.
Recent rainfall caused the sewage-contaminated runoff in the Tijuana River to enter the Tijuana Estuary and beyond. Warning signs will be posted until tests show the ocean water is safe for recreational use.
A general advisory was also issued Saturday for all beaches and bays in the county. The levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters following rain, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain. This includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.
For updates on beach closure information, visit www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.
Updated 2:56 p.m., July 20: The water contact closure was expanded north to include all of Coronado.
http://www.countynewscenter.com/news/beachgoers-should-avoid-ocean-and-bays-after-weekend-rain
