Ocean Bacteria Warning Issued for 2 Santa Monica Areas

LA County warns of elevated bacteria levels at the Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Canyon Creek

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:56pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the complex internal structure of ocean water, with glowing ghostly lines representing the presence of elevated bacteria levels that pose a health risk to swimmers and beachgoers.A translucent X-ray view exposes the unseen bacterial contamination in the ocean waters off Santa Monica, prompting a public health warning.Santa Monica Today

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning advising the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean waters at two locations in Santa Monica due to elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards and could make people sick.

Why it matters

Maintaining safe water quality is crucial for public health, especially in popular beach areas like Santa Monica that attract many swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers. This warning aims to protect residents and visitors from potential illness caused by exposure to contaminated ocean water.

The details

The warning applies to the Santa Monica Pier, 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier, as well as Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach, near Will Rogers Tower 18, 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek. Both locations tested positive for elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards.

  • The warning was issued on April 16, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The county's public health agency that is responsible for monitoring water quality and issuing warnings about unsafe conditions.

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What’s next

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the County's beach hotline: (800) 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is available at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the importance of regularly testing ocean water quality and quickly informing the public of any health risks, especially in popular beach areas that are vital to the local community and economy.