DEH Warning: Rain Brings Urban Runoff to San Diego County Beaches

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Looking to take a dip in the ocean this New Year’s weekend? Think again.

Following recent rainfall, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health on Friday issued a general advisory to warn swimmers, surfers and other beachgoers about elevated bacteria levels in the region’s beaches from urban runoff.

According to the Department of Environmental Health, bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters after rainfall, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Urban runoff, officials said, 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,” the advisory states.

In an effort to minimize exposure to bacteria, Department of Environmental Health officials recommend temporarily avoiding activities such as swimming, surfing and diving in the coastal waters for at least 72 hours after the storm.

The advisory includes all coastal beaches, including all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Officials said elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean and current conditions.

Photo by Alexander Nguyen, Patch staff