Orange County Beaches Reopen After Sewage Spill Last Week

SEAL BEACH, CA — Most Orange County beaches are no longer under an ocean water warning, days after up to 8.5 million gallons of untreated waste flowed into the ocean.

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, which monitors the county's beaches, most beaches from Seal Beach to San Clemente have an ocean water bacteria level that meets state health standards.

But, the agency reported, bacteria levels at four beaches exceed state health standards and may cause illness. The affected beaches are:

• Doheny State Beach — San Juan Creek/Ocean Interface
• Huntington Harbour — Mother's Beach
• Huntington State Beach — Magnolia Street
• Newport Coast — Little Corona Beach

On Friday, a raw sewage spill released up to 8.5 million gallons of untreated waste into the Dominguez Channel. The next day, the Orange County Health Agency forbid swimming and other water activities from Seal Beach's Surfside Beach to Huntington Beach's Sunset Beach.

By Monday morning, all Orange County beaches were under an ocean water warning due to high bacteria levels.

Information about Orange County ocean, bay and harbor postings and closures can be found by calling 714-433-6400 or www.OCBeachinfo.com.