Long Beach Temporarily Closes Coastal Swimming Areas Due to Sewage 

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach health officials have temporarily closed all open coastal swimming areas due to a sewage spill that originated in Rowland Heights, more than 30 miles away. The spill, caused by a grease blockage in a main sewer line, resulted in the overflow of 10,500 gallons of sewage, which is expected to reach Long Beach waters via the San Gabriel River.

Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis issued the closure order in accordance with state law, which requires temporary beach closures in such cases to protect public health. The affected areas will remain off-limits for water contact until water quality testing confirms that conditions meet state safety standards.

In addition to the closure, a rain advisory is currently in effect, recommending that residents and visitors avoid ocean water contact for 72 hours following significant rainfall. Unlike the rain advisory, which is a precautionary measure, the sewage spill has necessitated a mandatory closure.

City workers are posting signs along the waterfront to inform the public of the closure. Residents and visitors can check the latest updates on water conditions by calling the city’s water hotline at 562.570.4199 or visiting longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.

The Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality team is closely monitoring bacterial levels along the coast. Routine water testing will continue until results confirm that it is safe to reopen the beaches for swimming. In the meantime, officials urge the community to heed posted warnings and avoid water contact to prevent potential health risks.