The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a “BEACH CLOSED” notice today in response to a spill of untreated sewage.
The spill involved a release of at least 5,000 gallons of sewage to a storm drain discharging to Mission Creek, near Vernon Road and Serena Road.
As a result, West Beach from Santa Barbara Harbor to 2,000 feet east of the eastern Mission Creek outfall has been closed to recreational water contact.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department says that storm water is untreated rain water that flows into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways.
When one comes into contact with storm water while swimming or surfing it could increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as:
- rashes
- fever/chills
- ear infections
- vomiting
- diarrhea
To minimize potential health risks, it is recommended that people do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following a rain event.
With the current storm hitting the coast, it is asked that people also avoid areas near drainpipes and creeks that may carry storm water runoff.
Public health and enhance environmental quality of County watersheds and beaches.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is continuously working on ways to improve water quality by reducing or treating sources of pollution is a multi-faceted task.
To find out what is being done to improve water quality and how you can help go to this website.
