Huntington Beach Closure Expanded in Bacteria Alert

County public health officials closed Huntington State Beach on Wednesday after testing showed bacteria have reached almost 200 times the acceptable level. The beachfront has been posted with warnings that anyone entering the water would be at risk of a number of diseases, said park Supt. Donald Eto.

People exposed to these levels of bacteria can suffer nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sinus infections, a spokeswoman with the county Health Care Agency said.

Parts of the beach have been closed since early July. But following the testing this week, the Health Care Agency decided to close the entire beach, from the Santa Ana River to Beach Boulevard.

“We’re all tired of the closure. We hope to find the answer soon,” Eto said.

The source of the contamination is still being investigated, but the cause is believed to be a broken sewer between Magnolia and Newland streets, Eto said. Officials have narrowed possible sites of the leak. Neighboring beaches are not affected.

Anyone who has gone into the water at Huntington State Beach in the last week and has concerns about health problems may call the Health Care Agency at (714) 667-3600.

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Closure Extended

The Orange County Health Care Agency closed more of Huntington State Beach on Wednesday because of high bacteria counts. The first mile-long section was closed July 1.

Huntington State Beach is closed between lifeguard towers 2 and 13 indefinitely (swimming and surfing off limits, beach and parking lot remain open.)Sources: California Department of Parks and Recreation