Santa Barbara County Public Health Issues General Rain Advisory for Countywide Beaches

Due to the rainfall that is forecasted to continue into next week, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services wants to remind  residents about potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at countywide  beaches.

Storm water is untreated rainwater that flows through the drain system into  creeks, the ocean, and other waterways. Contact with storm water while swimming or  surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills,  ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Also, due to increased creek flows, debris such as  logs may be present in the ocean and other waterways posing an increased risk of injury  to anyone entering these waters. 

To minimize potential health and safety risks, it is recommended that people do not swim,  play or surf in the ocean and creeks during and for at least three days following a rain  event. Beachgoers should also avoid areas near the outfall from drainpipes and creeks  that enter the ocean following a rain event as storm water runoff may carry high levels of  bacteria and pollutants.  

Recreational/sport-harvesters should wait at least 10 days after significant rain to harvest  shellfish. High bacterial levels, pesticide, herbicide and motor oil grease flushed into the  ocean with the storm runoff may impact shellfish beds. Adequate cooking of shellfish will  destroy harmful bacteria but may not be effective in killing viruses. In addition, cooking  does not eliminate chemical and metal pollutants in shellfish.