Por Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
The Ventura County Environmental Health Division issued a precautionary advisory warning residents about potential contamination in ocean water following expected rainfall. According to the county’s Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, even moderate precipitation can generate runoff that flows into storm drains, channels, creeks and rivers that empty onto local beaches.
County officials note that as little as 0.2 inches of rainfall may create enough runoff to carry disease-causing bacteria into the ocean. Stormwater can also transport debris, including tree limbs and logs, which pose additional physical hazards to swimmers and surfers.
Health authorities warn that direct contact with runoff or ocean water during this period significantly increases the risk of illness or injury. Residents are urged to avoid all body contact with ocean water and storm runoff for at least 72 hours after rainfall activity ends.
Items that come into contact with contaminated water should also be avoided. Anyone exposed is advised to wash thoroughly with soap and water.
The advisory will remain in effect for 72 hours after the rain has completely stopped. Updated bacteriological test results for specific beaches are available through the Environmental Health Division hotline at (805) 662-6555 and on the division’s website.
