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Runoff From Tijuana River Closes Imperial Beach Shoreline

A sign in Imperial Beach on June 28, 2020, warning swimmers of sewage-contaminated water.
Alexander Nguyen
A sign in Imperial Beach on June 28, 2020, warning swimmers of sewage-contaminated water.

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health announced Wednesday it has extended the existing water contact closure area at the Tijuana Slough shoreline north to include the Imperial Beach shoreline.

Sewage-contaminated runoff in the Tijuana River has been entering the Tijuana Estuary, and observations indicate contamination of ocean water now extends from the International Border north to the Imperial Beach shoreline, DEH officials said.

Signs warning of sewage-contaminated water will remain in place until sampling results indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use.