County advises avoiding ocean water after rainstorms
Runoff may carry bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
– The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is advising the public to avoid contact with ocean water during significant rainstorms and for at least three days afterward, including following a recent storm.
Health officials said rainstorm runoff can carry high levels of disease-causing organisms from watersheds and urban areas into the ocean. Those organisms can include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
The department said exposure to contaminated ocean water can cause skin, respiratory, and intestinal problems. Young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to waterborne pathogens.
Surfers, swimmers, and others who enter the ocean are advised to avoid water contact during this period, particularly near creeks, rivers, storm drains, and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean.
Additional information about beach water quality is available through the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at www.SurfSafeSLO.org. The Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline is also available at (805) 788-3411.
