Storm-Drain Warning Is in Effect at Beach
Cloudy skies and the threat of more coastal showers prompted Ventura County health officials Wednesday to warn swimmers and surfers to keep clear of storm drains for the remainder of the week.
Even small quantities of rain are enough to wash sewage, rubbish and chemicals into creeks, rivers and storm drains and dump them into the surf. Whenever more than 0.2 of an inch of rain falls, which happened Tuesday, the Environmental Health Division issues the advisory to beachgoers.
Tests conducted this week on north county beaches from Ventura to Rincon Point showed bacteria within acceptable limits and no beach closures have been ordered. More tests are expected this week, said Richard Hauge, coordinator of the county’s ocean water quality program.
Light rainfall is forecast for today. Swimmers are advised to stay clear of storm drains for 72 hours after it rains. “It’s precautionary information based on the weather forecast,” Hauge said.
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