A main line break caused a major sewage spill in the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad Sunday morning, officials said.
Officials are now reporting 9,000 gallons of sewage has been released in the spill that occurred around 8 a.m.
People who live nearby are being asked to reduce indoor water use to reduce the amount of waste water flowing into the system.
Officials said warning signs alerting the public of the sewage contamination will be posted at the lagoon and will stay up until further testing and samples confirm the water is safe for recreational use again.
According to the City of Carlsbad website, the 561-acre lagoon is bordered on the northern side by the Batiquitos Trail system and is protected by municipal ordinances as a game sanctuary and bird estuary.
The lagoon is home to many wildlife species, including plants, fish and birds. Several endangered birds have been spotted there, the website said.
For more information on the sewage spill, call the City of Carlsbad Wastewater Department at (760) 438-2722 or (760) 931-2197.
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For detailed information on the lagoon, visit the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation website.
