An ocean closure along the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to sewage-contaminated water has been extended north to include Imperial Beach, Silver Strand and the Coronado Shorelines, county environmental health officials said Tuesday.
According to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, recent rainfall has caused runoff in the Tijuana River to enter the Tijuana Estuary on the U.S. side of the border.
Contaminated ocean water has been observed from the U.S.-Mexico border north to the Coronado shoreline, officials said.
County officials have placed water contact closure signs to alert beachgoers of the water's contamination. The closures — which were first issued Nov. 21 — will remain in place until water samples meet state health standards indicating the water is safe for recreational use.
Residents can find information on beach closures at www.sdbeachinfo.com or by calling 619-338-2073. Residents can also find information on the Tijuana River by contacting the San Diego division of the International Boundary and Water Commission at 619-662-7600.
