This week’s rainstorm has compromised water quality at Los Angeles County beaches and swimmers were advised Wednesday to be careful where they go into the water.
The Beach Water Use Advisory was extended through Thursday night for all beaches due to bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other hazards from city streets and mountain areas, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Swimmers were advised not to enter the water at or around storm drains, creeks and rivers or risk becoming ill, officials said.
A similar rain advisory was issued in Long Beach following the storm but the advisory takes a back seat to a closure order issued Saturday for all of the city’s beaches because 50,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the Los Cerritos Channel.
If bacteria levels become acceptable before Thursday, the rain advisory will remain in effect warning swimmers to enter near storm drains, creeks and rivers at their own risk, health officials said.