Community Corner

Storms Bring Drizzle, Surf to Hermosa

Storm system could affect bacteria levels in ocean waters, county warns.

The county Department of Public Health issued a rain advisory Wednesday morning for local beaches as a storm system is expected to approach Hermosa Beach this week. 

Light rain had already hit the area Tuesday and is predicted to return, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a high surf advisory.

Levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters during rainfall, especially in areas near storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms, according to the department.

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Bacteria could remain at these levels locally for up to three days, depending on the intensity and amount of rain. The department advises beach-goers to avoid the water during this time.

Before the rain arrived, the ocean water quality near the Hermosa Beach Pier received a "B" grade from the county for bacteria levels. The county also tested ocean waters in front of the storm drain at 26th Street, which received a "C" grade.

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These grades indicate that Hermosa's local beaches meet state ocean water bacteria standards.

The county released these test results Monday. Data was collected over 30 days, and each sample was calculated for coliform, fecal coliform or E. coli and enterococcus bacteria. Sampling data that were influenced by rainfall were excluded. 


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