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Beachgoers Warned To Stay Out Of Runoff-Polluted Ocean Water

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Health officials issued a warning Wednesday for people to stay out of runoff-polluted ocean water, storm drains, creeks and rivers.

Beachgoers should stay out of Southern California waters for at least a few days because bacteria, debris, trash and other public health hazards from streets and mountains are likely to enter ocean waters through those outlets, Dr. Jeffery Gunzenhauser, Los Angeles County's interim health officer.

In a statement, Gunzenhauser said that discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers "only comprise a small portion of the beach…(so) anybody who wants to go to the beach will still be able to enjoy their outing."

The county's beach advisory will be in effect until at least 7 a.m. Friday and could be extended, depending on rainfall.

More information is available on the county's beach hotline, (800) 525-5662, or on the website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach .

The seasonal rainfall total so far is about 3.9 inches, about an inch above the norm for this time of year, and forecasters expect about another inch from Tuesday's storm.

The National Weather Service warned of high surf and string rip currents, issuing a high surf advisory until 7 p.m. Wednesday in Los Angeles County and until noon Wednesday in Orange County.

With the well out of the west, the surf will be running 6-9 feet, with water temperatures ranging from 60-65 degrees. Some sets could be up to 12 feet.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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