Bacteria Warning In Effect For Catalina Island, Other LA Beaches

AVALON, CA — Bacteria levels are exceeding state standards at several Los Angeles County beaches, including Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, public health officials said Thursday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned people swimming, surfing and playing in the ocean around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

The following beaches are under warning as of Thursday:

• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach.
• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica.
• Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey.
• Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 50 feet west of the pier.

Public health officials have released daily warnings about the water quality following a 17-million gallon sewage spill last month in the Pacific Ocean from Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa Vista. Several Los Angeles beaches were cautioned in the days after the spill, including Malibu, San Pedro, Catalina, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades and the El Segundo and Dockweiler Beach areas.

Along with the bacteria warning, the spill has reduced the region’s water recycling ability and has forced officials to divert clean drinking water in a drought and pandemic, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Local leaders have started demanding answers. Rep. Ted Lieu has called for an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"I'm requesting that the EPA and NOAA investigate the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant’s massive and continuing wastewater discharge into the ocean," Lieu announced on Facebook last week. "This facility plays a critical role in processing wastewater in LA County and its continued problematic operation requires federal action."

Visit the county's website to learn more about beach conditions or call 1-800- 525-5662.

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