Beach advisory at Lovers Point Beach lifted

UPDATE 4/24/2019 3:00 p.m. A beach advisory in place at Lovers Point Beach was lifted Wednesday afternoon.

The advisory started Tuesday after a sample showed that indicator bacteria was high, but samples since then show that the bacteria count is back at a safe level.

High bacteria levels could call illnesses, so when it gets high the Monterey County Health Department issues advisories. The sources of the bacteria are marine life, rainfall runoff, storm drains and human activity.

PREVIOUS STORY: A Beach Advisory is in Place at Lovers Point Beach due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 4/22/2019.

The beach will remain posted until samples indicate that indicator bacteria are at a safe level for recreational water contact according to state guidelines.

Higher levels of bacteria have been associated with the increased potential risk of illness. Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations Section 7958 establishes bacterial standards for ocean water at beaches that are 1) visited by more than 50,000 people annually; 2) located adjacent to a storm drain (i.e. culvert, creek, or stream etc.) that flows during the summer. Therefore, when bacterial levels exceed bacterial standards an advisory is issued and beaches are posted with an advisory notice.

There are various sources of bacteria such as marine life (i.e. seals, otters, and birds) and other animals; rainfall runoff; storm drains; and human activity. Rainfall is associated with increased bacterial levels due to runoff particularly in the area of man-made and natural storm drains such as culverts, streams and rivers.

It is recommended that you do not swim in or have contact with storm drain water. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa or chemicals may contaminate storm drain water, and contact with storm drain water may cause illness.

For more information on Monterey Peninsula Beaches please call the Hotline at (800) 347-6363 or visit our web site at www.mtyhd.org/beaches