NewsNation

Beaches along California’s Central Coast closed after sewage spill

Taylor Delandro

MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: An aerial view of a marine area which is currently recommended for exclusion from the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary along California’s Central Coast on September 20, 2023 in Morro Bay, California. The sanctuary would be the first national marine sanctuary in the country nominated by an Indigenous tribe and will protect ocean ecosystems, marine life and cultural sites while prohibiting energy development. Chumash tribal members held a rally today to call for the Morro Bay area which includes Morro Rock, a tribal sacred point, to be included inside the sanctuary. Tribal members of the Chumash would co-steward the 5,617-square-mile area as part of the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful conservation efforts to restore 30 percent of waters and lands in the U.S. by 2030. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — Beach closures went into effect Monday after sewage was released into California‘s Morro Bay Harbor, according to the San Luis Obispo County’s Public Health Department.

A sewage main broke at The Inn at Morro Bay, located at 60 State Park Road, causing 7,600 gallons of sewage to spill into a storm drain and out into the harbor, officials said Monday in a statement.


Officials said the release had been mitigated.

No public beach access was allowed at the site of the sewage release, and advisory signs were posted at beaches to the north and south of it.

Officials advised the public to avoid ocean water 50 yards north and south of the sewage release.

“Contact with ocean water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea,” officials said.

Additionally, they advised anyone who has encountered ocean water during the time to monitor symptoms and contact their doctor if symptoms persist or are moderate to severe.

Officials said water samples would be collected by Environmental Health Services Monday and the beaches will remain closed until bacterial levels are below California’s standards for safe water recreation.