LOS ANGELES (KNX) — An ongoing storm Tuesday led to a beach water use advisory for Los Angeles County through at least Friday morning, according to the Department of Public Health.
"Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis is cautioning residents that bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers after a rainfall," the department said in a statement.
"Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill."
The water use advisory is in effect through 7:30 a.m. Friday, but could be extending pending further rainfall, the department said.
"A rain advisory is issued when there is significant rainfall that may cause bacteria levels in ocean waters to increase," the department said.
"Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean. Bacteria levels may remain elevated up to three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of runoff."
The County added that the elevated bacteria levels may cause serious illness among chidden and the elderly and suggests that the waters of L.A. County beaches be avoided for a least three days after significant rainfall.
Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline. To access, call 1-800- 525-5662 or click here for online information.
