Crime & Safety

Sewage Spill: 3 LA Beaches Still Exceed State Bacteria Standards

Water quality levels exceed state standards at several Los Angeles beaches after a 17-million gallon sewage spill in July, officials say.

Ocean water sampling found that several Los Angeles beaches did not meet state standards last month, public health officials said.
Ocean water sampling found that several Los Angeles beaches did not meet state standards last month, public health officials said. (Shutterstock)

VENICE, CA —Officials issued an updated beach water warning, cautioning swimmers and surfers that ocean waters have exceeded state standards for bacteria at several beaches, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced Tuesday night.

As of Tuesday night, the following beaches did not meet state standards for safe water quality:

  • Avalon Beach at Catalina Island (50 feet east of the pier)
  • Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach
  • Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

Public health officials Monday announced water quality levels were safe again at several Los Angeles beaches after a 17-million-gallon sewage spill in the Santa Monica Bay last month.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beach to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers," the department said in a statement.

Water samples were collected and met California standards for acceptable water quality, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Warnings have been lifted for the following beaches, creeks and areas:

  • Dockweiler State Beach
  • Ballona Creek (Near Dockweiler Tower 40)
  • Culver Blvd storm drain
  • Imperial Highway storm drain
  • Westchester storm drain
  • Pico-Kenter storm drain (Santa Monica Beach)
  • Topanga Canyon Lagoon (Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu)

Lifeguards have been notified to remove all posted advisory signs, officials said.

Visit the county's website to learn more about beach conditions or call 1-800- 525-5662.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 8:02 p.m. with additional information throughout.


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