County Issues General Advisory for Coastal Waters

The Department of Environmental Health today issued a general advisory for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to our current storm.

Swimmers, surfers and other ocean users are being warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.

Officials said urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation.

While many coastal storm drains within San Diego County are permanently posted with white metal warning signs, additional temporary warning signs are not posted for general advisories, according to officials.

Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain.

This includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean and current conditions.