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Public Safety

County Environmental Officials Close Water Access Near International Border

A danger sign at Imperial Beach is shown in this photo, March. 2, 2018.
Erik Anderson
A danger sign at Imperial Beach is shown in this photo, March. 2, 2018.

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health posted a beach closure notice Monday at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park due to water contamination.

County officials said sewage-contaminated water flowing from the Tijuana River into U.S. waters represents a health hazard. Closure signs will remain posted in the affected areas until testing shows it's safe to go back into the water from Seacoast Drive to the U.S. Mexico Border. Access to Friendship Park at Border Field should also be avoided, officials say, as the park may also be affected by contaminated runoff.

RELATED: San Diego's Cross-Border Sewage Suit Will Move Forward

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Residents seeking more information on beach and water contact closures can visit the county's website, sdbeachinfo.com, or call the county's 24-hour hotline at (619) 338-2073.

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