Photo: Stephen Bay / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
San Diego County has about 70 miles of coastline, and most days the water is fine for swimming and surfing. But bacteria levels can rise after rain or sewage spills, and some South Bay beaches are affected by polluted flows from the Tijuana River. Checking before you go takes a minute.
Where to check
The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality monitors bacteria levels at beaches and bays and posts advisories, closures and warnings on its Beach and Bay Water Quality site. Signs are posted at affected beaches.
- Advisory: bacteria levels exceed state health standards; contact with the water may make you sick.
- Closure: usually due to a sewage spill; stay out of the water.
- General rain advisory: issued after significant rain.
After it rains
Storm runoff carries bacteria, trash and chemicals from streets into creeks and the ocean. County health officials advise avoiding contact with ocean and bay water for 72 hours after rain, especially near storm drains, creeks and river mouths.
The South Bay and the Tijuana River
Sewage-contaminated water from the Tijuana River watershed has led to long-running closures at beaches in Imperial Beach and the Silver Strand area, especially near the river mouth. The problem has drawn state and federal attention and funding for repairs to treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border. Check current status before visiting South Bay beaches.
Other tips
- Stay away from water near storm drain outlets and lagoon mouths.
- Rinse off after swimming, and keep cuts covered.
- Report illness after water contact to your health care provider.
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