Los Angeles, California — Health officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid entering ocean and bay waters at all Los Angeles County beaches following recent rainfall, warning that bacteria levels may be dangerously high after weeks of winter storms.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a countywide rain advisory, citing concerns that stormwater runoff can carry harmful contaminants into coastal waters. The advisory applies to all beaches across L.A. County and is expected to remain in effect until at least 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, though officials say it could be extended if additional rain falls.
Storm runoff raises public health concerns
According to health officials, rainfall can significantly degrade water quality by washing pollutants from city streets, neighborhoods, and mountain areas into storm drains, creeks, rivers, and eventually the ocean.
These runoff flows may contain elevated levels of bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other hazardous materials, particularly near storm drain outlets and freshwater discharge points.
“Ocean and bay recreational waters can be contaminated following rainfall,” officials warned, especially in areas close to storm drains, rivers, and creeks.
Health experts say entering the water under these conditions increases the risk of illness, including stomach and intestinal infections, skin rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory issues.
All beaches affected, not just runoff zones
While contamination is often highest near storm drains, the advisory extends to all L.A. County beaches, as bacteria can spread through ocean currents well beyond runoff points.
Officials recommend that people:
- Avoid swimming, surfing, and wading
- Keep children and pets away from ocean water
- Avoid wet sand, which can also harbor bacteria after storms
Individuals who come into contact with contaminated water could become ill, health officials cautioned.
Inner Cabrillo Beach remains closed
In addition to the countywide advisory, Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro remains closed until further notice due to persistently high bacteria levels.
Officials say that closure will remain in place regardless of the rain advisory timeline, as water quality testing continues to show unsafe conditions.
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“The beach will reopen only after bacteria levels meet state health standards,” the department said.
Back-to-back holiday storms worsen conditions
The warning comes after nearly two weeks of storms that impacted Southern California during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Repeated rainfall events can compound water quality problems by continuously flushing pollutants into coastal waters before natural cleansing processes have time to take effect.
Environmental health experts note that winter storms are often linked to the worst ocean water quality of the year, especially in urban coastal regions like Los Angeles County.
Advisory may be extended
While the current advisory is scheduled to last through Thursday morning, officials stressed that conditions are subject to change.
“Rain advisories may be extended depending on additional rainfall,” the department said, urging beachgoers to check for updates before heading to the coast.
How to check beach conditions
Residents and visitors can track real-time beach water quality, closures, and advisories through official county resources. The public can also call the county’s beach water quality hotline at 1-800-525-5662 for the latest updates.
Health officials emphasize that waiting until advisories are lifted is the safest option, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
With storm systems still influencing Southern California weather, officials say caution is essential for anyone planning coastal activities in the coming days.
Do you think beach advisories are taken seriously enough after storms? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
