LA County Warns of Unsafe Beach Water After Rain

Health officials urge beachgoers to avoid ocean and sand due to potential contamination.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Following the latest rainfall in Southern California, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory, urging people to avoid all water contact at Los Angeles County beaches, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Runoff that has flowed onto the beach sand may also pose health dangers due to contamination from chemicals, debris and trash.

Why it matters

Heavy rains can wash harmful bacteria, chemicals, and debris into coastal waters, posing a risk to public health. This advisory is intended to protect beachgoers from potential illness caused by contact with contaminated ocean water or sand.

The details

The advisory will be in effect until noon on Saturday. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The recent storm brought rain across Southern California overnight Tuesday, and the National Weather Service said there could be more rain on Sunday and all next week.

  • The advisory was issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The advisory will be in effect until noon on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The local public health agency that issued the advisory warning beachgoers to avoid the water and sand due to potential contamination.

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The takeaway

This advisory highlights the importance of heeding public health warnings, especially after heavy rains, to avoid exposure to potentially harmful contaminants in coastal waters and on beaches.