Bacteria Warnings Posted at 36 Beaches
After heavy rains, 36 Ventura County beach areas have been posted with “no swimming” signs this week due to excessive bacteria in the water.
Water-quality tests failed to meet minimum health standards at Rincon Beach, Surfers Point, Promenade Park, San Buenaventura State Beach, McGrath State Beach, Mandalay County Park, Oxnard State Beach, Hollywood Beach, Silver Strand Beach, Port Hueneme Beach Park, Ormond Beach, Point Mugu Beach, Deer Creek Beach, County Line Beach, Hobie Beach, Channel Islands Beach Park and other locations.
Swimmers should keep at least 50 yards from each side of the closure signs to avoid bacteria, according to county Environmental Health Division officials.
Pollution has been a problem at Hobie and Channel Islands beaches since September 1999. Officials at the health division are continuing to try to identify and eliminate the sources of the bacteria contamination.
Weekly beach testing occurs at 53 sites in Ventura County. Results can be obtained by calling the county’s ocean water-quality hot line at 662-6555 or visiting the division’s Web site at https://https://www.ventura.org/env_hlth/ocean.htm.
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