Santa Monica Under Bacteria Warning Weeks After Sewage Spill

SANTA MONICA, CA — Bacteria levels are exceeding state standards at one of LA's prime beach destinations: Santa Monica.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a warning for swimmers and surfers near the Santa Monica Pier Wednesday night. Warnings were lifted for Avalon Beach at Catalina Island.

Health officials urge people to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

The caution follows a 17-million gallon sewage spill in the Santa Monica Bay in July, prompting health officials to issue updated warnings for beaches along the Los Angeles coastline.

Public health has caution people for weeks after the spill at Los Angeles beaches, including Malibu, San Pedro, Catalina, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades and the El Segundo and Dockweiler Beach areas.

The cause of the buildup is still under investigation. Local leaders have called on officials at Hyperion Water Plant to disclose more information about what happened July 11 at the water treatment location. Hyperion has since apologized to El Segundo residents for the smell and sewage spill.

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