Lover’s Point Beach was posted with an advisory on September 27, 2022 due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken September 26, 2022. Follow up samples reveal that bacteria have subsided to levels considered safe for recreational contact. Higher levels of bacteria have been associated with the increased potential risk of illness.
Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations Section 7958 establishes bacterial standards for ocean water at beaches that are 1) visited by more than 50,000 people annually; 2) located adjacent to a storm drain (i.e., culvert, creek, or stream etc.) that flows during the summer. Therefore, when bacterial levels exceed bacterial standards, an advisory is issued, and beaches are posted with an advisory notice. There are various sources of bacteria such as marine life (i.e., seals, otters, and birds) and other animals; rainfall runoff; storm drains; and human activity. Rainfall is associated with increased bacterial levels due to runoff particularly in man-made and natural storm drains such as culverts, streams, and rivers.
It is recommended that you do not swim in or have contact with storm drain water. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or chemicals may contaminate storm drain water, and contact with storm drain water may cause illness. For more information on Monterey Peninsula Beaches please call the Hotline at (831) 755-4599 or visit our web site at www.mtyhd.org/beaches
Original source can be found here.
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