Excessive Runoff Due To Storms Affects All San Diego Co. Beaches

ENCINITAS, CA — Thanks to record rainfall over the past few days, every beach from Oceanside south to Border Field, is either under a General Rain Advisory or closed due to high bacteria levels, according to San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

The six beaches closed due to high bacteria levels include:

• Imperial Beach Shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive to Carnation Avenue.
• Silver Strand Shoreline in its entirety.
• Coronado Shoreline from Avenida Lunar to North Beach.
• Tijuana Slough Shoreline from the U.S. / Mexico border including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to cross boundary flows.
• Buccaneer Beach in Oceanside at Loma Alta Creek - 1320 feet north and south.
• Carlsbad State Beach at Batiquitos Lagoon Outlet - 3960 feet north and south.

Buccaneer Beach in Oceanside and Carlsbad State Beach were closed due to a sewage spill and will remain closed until sampling and field observations confirm the areas is safe for contact, according to a county news release.

Officials advised residents to avoid both beaches, as the sewage might cause illness.

DEHQ issued the General Rain Advisory for all coastal beaches and bays, advising beachgoers to avoid any contact with the water to include swimming, surfing and diving for 72 hours following the rain event.

"The Department of Environmental Health and Quality has issued a GENERAL RAIN ADVISORY for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to contamination by urban runoff following rain," the county said in a news release.

For updates on beach advisory and closure information visit San Diego County's Beach and Bay Water Quality Program website or call the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.

General Rain Advisories are issued when significant rain (~0.2 inches) causes urban runoff to enter the ocean and bays. For more information, click here.