Beach advisories lifted for two Monterey County beaches

UPDATE: 6/27/2018 The Monterey County Health Department lifted a beach advisory at Monterey Municipal Beach and Lovers Point Beach.

High levels of bacteria were found in water samples at both beaches taken on June 25.

The health department issued a beach advisory but said follow up samples revealed the bacteria has subsided to levels considered safe for recreational contact.

PREVIOUS STORY:

The Monterey County Health Department has issued a Beach Advisory for Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove and Monterey Municipal Beach

These locations have been posted with an advisory due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken 06/25/2018. The advisory 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. According to the Health Department, 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 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 the web site at www.mtyhd.org/beaches