The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality Tuesday issued a general rain advisory to avoid water contact at all coastal beaches and bays due to recent rainfall.
Swimmers, surfers and other water users are warned that rain brings urban runoff, which can cause bacteria levels to rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets.
Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation.
Bacteria levels can remain elevated after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean conditions. Many coastal storm drains have permanent warning signs, but additional warning signs are not posted for general rain advisories.
Water contact such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided during rain and for 72 hours following the rain event.
Here is the advisory from the County:
GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT
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.
Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided for 72 hours following rain. The most recent rain event occurred October 5, 2021.
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 are posted with permanent metal warning signs, additional temporary signs are not posted for General Advisories.
The anticipated lift date, subject to change: October 8, 2021 at ~ 6:30 am.*
*Due to the nature of the weather and ocean environment, the anticipated lift details are provided as estimated informational data, subject to change and not a guarantee of beach status.
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