Ocean Bacteria Warning For Santa Monica Beaches
- Health officials warn people to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in Santa Monica ocean waters. - Advisory covers the Pier and nearby beach after elevated bacteria levels were detected by county tests. - The LA County Department of Public Health issued the warning; residents should heed closure advisories (patch.com).
Los Angeles County health officials warned people to avoid ocean waters at Santa Monica Pier after tests found elevated bacteria levels. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an Ocean Water Use Warning on April 20, 2026, covering 100 yards up and down the Santa Monica Pier. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The county release also named the Pico‑Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach and, elsewhere, Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) County officials said recent water samples showed bacterial counts that exceeded California state health standards and could increase the risk of illness for swimmers. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Officials advised the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in affected waters and provided a beach hotline, 1‑800‑525‑5662, and an online map of impacted locations. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The warnings follow routine county sampling that flags elevated bacteria near storm drains, lagoons, and busy piers after recent tests. (lapublichealth.org) The county noted one area — Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Tower 18 — was cleared after follow‑up samples met state standards. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) The department said warnings will remain until follow‑up samples fall within California standards; residents should check the county beach page for lift notices. (publichealth.lacounty.gov)
