Public Health issues beach and water closures around Santa Maria River

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – Both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County Public Health issued beach and water closures around the Santa Maria River after wastewater spilled into the river during the storm.

Public Health officials closed waters extending three miles from the outfall of the Santa Maria River.

"The spill involves an ongoing release of an unknown volume of secondary treated wastewater at the City of Guadalupe Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Santa Maria River," said Santa Barbara County Public Health. "While this wastewater effluent has undergone treatment, no disinfection has occurred."

Public Health said that as a result of the spill, Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Park is also closed to recreational water contact, extending three miles from the outfall of the Santa Maria River.

"The affected area will be posted with signs warning the public to avoid contact with the water until sample results indicate the water is safe for recreational use, when the roadway to the Park becomes accessible," said Public Health.

Both counties' Public Health officials wanted to remind the public to avoid all ocean water contact during, and at least three days following, significant rainstorms.

Officials said that surfers, swimmers and others are advised to avoid contact with ocean water during this period, especially in areas close to creeks, rivers, storm drains and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean.

"Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea," wrote SLO County Public Health.

"Rainstorm runoff is known to transport high levels of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa from the watershed to the ocean. Such organisms carried into the ocean can cause skin, respiratory and intestinal problems. Young children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to these waterborne pathogens."

For more information about water quality and safety in San Luis Obispo County, visit: surfsafeslo.org.

Santa Barbara County Public Health said to find out what is being done to improve water quality and how you can help, visit: sbprojectcleanwater.org.