Imperial Beach shoreline closed due to high sewage levels

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego County health officials have closed a portion of the Imperial Beach shoreline after recent testing showed high sewage levels.

The ocean shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive through the Imperial Beach Pier was closed Saturday and will remain closed until testing shows the bacteria levels are back to normal.

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) said the water contact closure was extended to include the Imperial Beach Shoreline because the Tijuana River is flowing and reaching recreational waters.

The health department is warning beachgoers in San Diego's South Bay that the ocean water contains sewage and may cause illness.

The closure comes after the beach has been open on and off in recent months to swimmers and surfers following several years of continuous closures from sewage flowing from the Tijuana River.

The Mexican government finished repairs back in April on Mexico’s Punta Bandera Wastewater Treatment Plant, bringing it back up to full capacity, helping to stop some of the sewage from entering the Pacific Ocean in southern San Diego County.

Then, in May, in an effort to combat the ongoing Tijuana sewage crisis impacting South Bay residents, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) announced the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant would be fast-tracked to be completed in just over 3 months.

More information on the ongoing pollution in the Tijuana River Valley and South County beach water is available from the SDAPCD, IBWC and the County’s South Region Health Concerns webpage.

For updates on San Diego beach advisory and closure information, visit sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.