Bacteria spike prompts LA County warning against swimming and surfing at beaches

Los Angeles County issued ocean water use warnings after lab tests found bacteria levels above state standards at multiple beaches from Malibu to Marina del Rey; two previously affected sites were later cleared after follow-up testing.

Los Angeles County health officials issued an ocean water use warning after laboratory tests detected bacteria levels above California's safety standards at several beaches from Malibu to Marina del Rey. The advisory covers sections of coastline near creeks, storm drains and other runoff outlets and names several affected beaches. Two sites that had been under advisory were later cleared when follow-up samples met state standards. The county conducts year-round ocean water monitoring and posts advisories when state thresholds are exceeded. What officials report: - Laboratory testing found bacteria concentrations above state health standards at multiple coastal sampling sites, prompting an ocean water use warning. - The advisory applies to areas near creek mouths, storm drains and runoff outlets and lists affected locations including Will Rogers State Beach, Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey, and portions of Leo Carrillo, Topanga, Escondido and Puerco beaches. - Two previously affected areas, inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and the Herondo Street storm drain area in Hermosa Beach, were cleared after new tests showed levels within standards. - The county said warnings remain in effect until follow-up testing confirms water quality has returned to acceptable levels and that advisories are posted online and communicated via a 24-hour beach hotline. Summary: Health officials reported elevated bacteria in ocean samples and have posted warnings for several popular coastal areas. The current status is that advisories remain in place for listed sites while two earlier locations were cleared, and the next procedural step is follow-up testing to confirm whether water quality meets state standards.