Sewage Spill Close Beaches in Long Beach

Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, ordered all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill.  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 received today from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District and from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, approximately 250,000 gallons of sewage was spilled in nearby Downey.  The spill report indicated that this was a result of sewer main line overflow caused by a blockage. 

Water from the Los Angeles River connects to the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, which means pollution anywhere upriver can affect the coastal waters of the City. Long Beach has approximately seven miles of public beach. The City of Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality health inspection team is monitoring water quality along the affected beach sites. Water monitoring will continue until results comply with State water quality standards.

People can call the Water Hotline at (562) 570-4199or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality for the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality.

To protect the safety of the public, water samples are collected and tested routinely to monitor bacterial levels. For their safety, the community is encouraged to pay close attention to any warning signs posted at the beach.