Public Health and Water Quality

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on March 17 issued updated public health advisories warning residents and visitors to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in ocean water at several popular beaches due to elevated bacteria levels above state health standards. The affected areas include Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, where entire swim zones are impacted, as well as sections of Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and multiple Malibu sites near storm drains and creeks. Officials say the contamination can stem from stormwater runoff, sewage spills or leaks, animal waste, urban runoff and warmer water that promotes bacterial growth, and warn that exposure can cause gastrointestinal illness, fever and infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, especially in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The advisory comes as an unusually intense March heat wave drives temperatures up to 20–35°F above normal across parts of the West, increasing pressure on coastal recreation spots just as health risks rise. County crews conduct routine water testing and will update advisories as conditions change, urging beachgoers to check the county public health website before heading to the coast; the current action is a warning, not a full beach closure.