Environmental health officials Tuesday urged swimmers and surfers to stay out of the coastal beaches and bays following recent rain in the county.
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The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality issued a general rain advisory warning of increased bacteria levels from urban runoff in the ocean and bay waters — especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets.
"Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil, and decomposing vegetation," the DEHQ's Ricardo Ramos wrote. "Bacteria levels can remain elevated after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean conditions."
Water contact should be avoided for 72 hours after rainfall, according to the department.
