Long Beach Open Coastal Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Sewage Spill

• Extra Large
• Large
• Normal
• Small

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Acting City Health Officer, Dr. Cliff Okada has ordered the temporary closure of all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach due to sewage spills. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

According to a report from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), more than 18,000 gallons of sewage were discharged into the San Gabriel River on Tuesday, Dec. 16, flowing toward ocean waters. The sewage spill occurred in the City of Industry due to railway installation work that cut through a pipe.

The City of Long Beach Health Department's Recreational Water Quality Environmental Health Specialists are monitoring water quality in our coastal beaches. Water monitoring will continue until sampling results comply with State water quality standards.

Long Beach has over six miles of public beach. To protect public health and safety, weekly water samples are collected and tested routinely to monitor bacterial levels. For their safety, community members are encouraged to pay close attention to warning signs posted at the beach and to avoid water contact while closures are in effect.

For the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality, the public may call the Water Hotline at 562.570.4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Department of Health and Human Services Public Affairs Office, [email protected].      

For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what's happening in Long Beach, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.