A rainy weekend in San Diego County prompted officials to issue an urban runoff advisory at local beaches and a water contact closure for part of Imperial Beach Saturday.
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) issued the advisory for all beaches in San Diego County because of rising bacteria levels along coastal waters from recent rainfall in San Diego County.
Swimmers, surfers and ocean users were warned about high bacteria levels near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoons, as well as ocean and bay waters.
The advisory applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, according to the department.
The DEH also closed part of Imperial Beach Saturday because sewage-contaminated water from the Tijuana River was entering the United States.
The shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive to the U.S.-Mexico International Border, including the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park were listed as closed due to the sewage-contaminated flows.
Officials said closure signs would remain in place until the beaches are deemed safe enough for recreational use.
Local
Runoff from storm drains is filled with large amounts of bacteria such as animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation that can be harmful to human health, according to the DEH.
Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain, officials warned.
