COUNTYWIDE : Warning Issued to Ocean Swimmers
Swimmers should wait at least until Wednesday before getting into ocean waters close to storm drains and the outlets of creeks and rivers because of possible bacteria contamination from Saturday’s rainstorm, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Robert E. Merryman, director of the environmental health division, said that the water may carry significant levels of bacteria from debris, animal waste and dead plants. He warned swimmers to be especially careful in the waters close to the San Gabriel and Santa Ana rivers, San Juan and Aliso creeks and storm drains that spill into the ocean.
Merryman said beaches may be closed if water samples show a dangerous level of contamination.
But since Saturday, he said, “we’ve found no reason to close a beach.”
For information about beach closures or to report a sewage spill, call (714) 667-3752.
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