Elevated Bacteria Levels Force Closure Of Malibu Beach

MALIBU, CA — Elevated bacteria levels in Los Angeles County's coastal waters prompted public health officials to issue a warning on Tuesday to beachgoers to avoid contact with the water at several beaches, including in Malibu.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warnings for the following areas:

— Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon;

— Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, entire swim area;

— Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey, entire swim area;

— Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, entire swim area;

— Castlerock storm drain at Topanga County Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain; and

— Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

Health officials said recent water samples indicated bacteria levels in coastal waters exceeded the state's health standards and posed an increased risk of causing illness.

Health officials lifted a warning for Bel Air Bay at Will Rogers State Beach after recent testing found water quality levels had returned to state standards.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline, 1-800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information can be found at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.

City News Service contributed to this report.