LONG BEACH, Calif. — All open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach have been temporarily closed following a sewage spill that may impact ocean water quality, according to Acting City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada.
The closure is required under state law and is being implemented out of an abundance of caution until water quality meets California health standards. Warning signs have been posted at affected beaches advising the public to stay out of the water.
According to 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. The spill occurred in the City of Industry after railway installation work cut through a sewer pipe, allowing sewage to flow downstream toward ocean waters.
The Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality Environmental Health Specialists are actively monitoring water conditions along the city’s coastline. Sampling and testing will continue until results comply with state water quality requirements, at which point swimming areas may be reopened.
Long Beach has more than six miles of public beach, where water quality is routinely monitored through weekly sampling to track bacterial levels and protect public health. City officials are urging residents and visitors to heed posted warning signs and avoid all water contact while the closures remain in effect.
For the latest updates on beach water quality and closures, the public can call the Long Beach Water Hotline at 562-570-4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.
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