Countywide : Swimmers Warned About Storm Drains

Beach-goers should avoid the water near storm drains for up to 72 hours after rainfall because of fecal bacteria and other waste products being washed into the ocean, the Orange County Health Agency warned on Monday.

Among materials being flushed into the ocean are animal wastes, fertilizers, road oils and litter, said Robert E. Merryman, director of the health agency.

After rains, the level of potentially unhealthful bacteria in ocean waters can be particularly high. Swimmers and beach-goers should take special care to avoid storm drains, rivers and creeks that feed into the ocean, Merryman said.

With separate pipe systems, sewage drains are not normally a problem after rains, he said.