Rain advisory warns OC surfers, swimmers to stay clear of dirty water

The storm may be clear and the sun may be beckoning a beach day, but health officials say stay clear of the funky water.

The OC Health Care Agency issued a rain advisory on Wednesday, Feb. 16, following the previous night’s storm that sent rain, hail and wild weather to the region.

Rain, the first in weeks, sent bacteria, trash and pollutants down stream to the shore, causing bacteria levels to spike in the ocean and bays, especially near storm drains, creeks and rivers.

“The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff,” officials warn.

“Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.”

Source: Orange County Register