Beach Closure Issued for East Beach at Mission Creek

Beach Closure Issued for East Beach at Mission Creek

-Sharing on behalf of the County of Santa Barbara Health Department-

PRESS RELEASE
December 24, 2025

BEACH CLOSURE ISSUED FOR EAST BEACH AT MISSION CREEK IN SANTA BARBARA DUE TO SEWAGE SPILL

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department has issued a "BEACH CLOSED" notice in response to a reported spill of untreated sewage.

The spill involved a release of approximately 4,500 gallons of sewage due to a pump bypass failure on the 2700 block of De La Vina Street in Santa Barbara during the recent rain event. As a result, East Beach from 1/4-mile east to 1/8-mile west of the Mission Creek outfall has been closed to recreational water contact. The affected area has been posted with signs warning the public to avoid all contact with the water until sample results indicate the water is safe for recreational use. Contact with sewage-contaminated water increases the risk for certain types of illnesses.

Additionally, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services wants to remind residents about potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at countywide beaches following recent rainfall. Storm water is untreated rainwater that flows through the drain system into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways. Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.

To minimize potential health risks, do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following a rain event. Beachgoers should also avoid areas near the outfall from drainpipes and creeks that enter the ocean following a rain event as storm water runoff may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants.

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https://www.countyofsb.org/410/County-Health

News Media Contact:
Jason Johnston
Environmental Health Services Director
805-346-7348
[email protected]