PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all recreational swimming areas temporarily closed for water contact due to two separate sewage spills that occurred earlier today. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements. 

A significant sewage discharge incident was reported in the Rancho Dominguez area, according to a joint report from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. Approximately five million gallons of sewage was discharged, the majority of which entered the Dominguez Channel leading into the Port of Long Beach as well as amounts into the Compton Creek leading to the Los Angeles River.

In addition to the sewage spill in Rancho Dominguez, another 40,000 gallons of sewage were reported to have spilled in the City of Commerce. This additional spill also flows into the Los Angeles River, compounding the environmental impact and posing further concerns for the affected areas.

These spills occurred early this morning, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The exact cause of the sewage spills is currently under investigation, with capacity issues due to heavy rains and potential sewer damage being considered as possible factors.

Previously, Dr. Davis issued a rain advisory on Feb. 1, followed by the closure of bay swimming areas on Feb. 2 due to separate sewage spills, both of which remain in effect. Given the severity of this new sewage spill, a mandatory closure of all swimming areas is now in place. City workers are actively posting signage along the coastline to notify beachgoers of the closure and to ensure public safety. 

The City of Long Beach Health Department’s Recreational Water Quality Environmental Health team is monitoring water quality in the bay areas and all beaches. Water monitoring will continue until results comply with State water quality standards. 

Long Beach has approximately seven miles of public beach. To protect the safety of the public, weekly water samples are collected and tested routinely to monitor bacterial levels. For their safety, the community is encouraged to pay close attention to any warning signs posted at the beach. 

For the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality, the public can call the Water Hotline at 562.570.4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.  

Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, 562.441.3590, Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.