Health Department issues bacteria warning for 7 LA beaches
Barriers warn people to stay away from a drainage that carries dangerous levels of bacteria into the ocean south of Will Rogers State Beach. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Monday issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for seven area beaches, cautioning visitors to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the waters due to high bacteria levels.
The agency said the levels exceeded health standards when last tested.
The affected beaches are Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach; Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach; Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach; Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu; Santa Monica Pier; Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey; and Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
Meanwhile, the health department lifted a warning at Pena Creek at Las Tunas County Beach, where it said recent testing produced water-quality levels within state standards.
The county has a 24-hour hotline providing updated information on beach conditions at 1-800-525-5662. A map of affected locations is also available at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.