Many Locations Affected by Advisory
The beaches that have been affected by the water warning are Rogers State Beach, Puerco Beach, and San Pedro.
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For these areas, the entire beaches have the advisory in effect and residents are warned to stay out of the water.
High Levels of Bacteria Causing Issues
The water quality has deteriorated drastically in many of the beaches around L.A. High levels of bacteria in the water have accumulated around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers.
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The Department of Public Health has warned residents and tourists to stay away from the infected waters.
Regular Testing To Find the Levels
The department regularly tests the water in Los Angeles county for this exact reason.
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When water becomes contaminated, it’s imperative that people stay away. If not, a public health crisis could occur.
Rainfall Can Mitigate the Situation
Officials have requested that residents stay away from the water for three days after a period of heavy rain in order to wash away the bad bacteria.
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Due to current rainfall in the area, the bacteria could also centralize in storm drains and runoff areas. The suggested wait time of three days is put in place to keep the public safe.
Illness Could Ensue
If anyone comes into contact with the water, they could become very ill due to the bacteria.
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The specific symptoms for this type of water bacteria have not been recorded yet. Officials are urging the public to take the warning seriously.
Beaches Remain Open for Now
For the time being, the beaches in Los Angeles will remain open to the public.
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Due to the size of most beaches in this area, it would be impossible to completely shut down the shores.
Types of Bacteria Commonly Found in Water
There are a number of types of deadly bacteria that can be found in large bodies of water, such as toxic algae blooms that occur in extremely warm weather.
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In this instance, the bacteria has come from high levels of rain in the area. Rain washes away garbage and debris in the area, adding bad bacteria to run off water. As well, it is speculated that the water contains a type of bacteria called fish kill, which occurs when too many dead fish populate the water.
Water Pollution Is a Big Issue for L.A County
In 2016, the city experienced a similar water crisis. Run off from storms and rain can add bad bacteria to the water and cause illnesses in the public.
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During this time, the bacteria was speculated to be caused by the water washing through homeless encampments and washing away drugs, feces, and contaminated needles.
Possible Symptoms To Look Out For
A group of ecological scientists have warned that getting into contaminated water can cause ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
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Although these illnesses are not necessarily deadly to most people, they should be taken seriously and avoided at all costs.
Poor Water Quality in L.A
Los Angeles county is not known for having some of the best drinking water in the world. In fact, many people stay away from the tap water all together.
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Part of the issue comes from the amount of factories and manufacturing plants in the area. These factories often illegally dump chemicals that make their way directly to drinking water sources.
When Water Is Safe, It Doesn’t Taste Good
Another complaint that many Los Angelenos have is that the tap water tastes terrible, even when city officials say that it’s safe to drink.
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Part of the poor taste comes from the large amount of chlorine added to water to kill off any remaining particles or bacteria.