What causes beach closures signs to be posted?
Beach closure signs are required when beach water quality testing or known sewage spills indicate that a health threat exists to bathers due to high bacteria levels. Bacteria can increase in rivers and beaches from storm water and urban runoff entering the storm drains that has come into contact with fecal matter (animal waste, including pest waste), excessive green or garden waste, fertilizers and other materials. These postings are required by the County Health Department. The beach closure signs or postings are removed once water quality testing shows that water quality has returned to safe levels. The City’s Lifeguards are notified by the County Health Department regarding posting requirements and can provide additional information. To obtain additional beach water quality information you may visit the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card for weekly updates (www.healthebay.org) or contact the City of Del Mar Water Quality Division at 858-755-9313.
