LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles County health officer today extended a beach water use advisory cautioning people to avoid swimming in ocean water around discharging storm drains, as well as creeks and rivers, until 5 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The advisory was issued due to the recent storms soaking the Southland.
“Bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around these outlets after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill,” according to a county Department of Public Health statement. “Discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach; therefore, anybody who wants to go to other areas at the beach can still enjoy their beach outing.”
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline, 800-525-5662, and online at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.
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