LOS ANGELES (CBS) — About 5,000 gallons of sewage may have have spilled into Centinela Creek, which discharges into Ballona Creek near Dockweiler State Beach, prompting the Department of Public Health to close the beach around the area.

Beach visitors, swimmers and surfers to avoid the water a quarter mile north and south of Ballona Creek.

The advisory is in effect until at least 4 p.m. Thursday, when authorities expect to have test results of water samples taken Tuesday morning.

“We are asking people to avoid entering or swimming in the ocean in the area immediately surrounding Ballona Creek,” Department of Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding said in a statement. “Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of the people who visit the beach and water areas.”

The Inglewood Department of Public Works is working to clean up the spill.