Community Corner

Unhealthy Bacteria Levels Discovered at Area Beaches and Waterways

Warning signs have been posted as a result.

Warning signs have been posted at several San Mateo County recreational water locations after unhealthy levels of bacteria were found last Monday morning during routine testing.

The county's Department of Environmental Health says anyone who enters the water in contaminated areas does so at their own risk; there may be a risk of illness associated with swimming.

The warnings are an advisory rather than a quarantine or beach closure, and are posted when bacterial standards have exceeded state swimming standards but there is no confirmed source of contamination.

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ocean beaches found with so-called "indicator bacteria" include:

  • Pillar Point #7 (End Westpoint at surf)
  • Pescadero Beach

Creeks and Bay Beaches found to have the unhealthy bacteria include:

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Creeks (where they meet or cross the beach)  
    • San Vicente Creek
    • San Pedro Creek
    • North Roosevelt Creek
    • Pomponio Creek
       
  • Bay Beaches  
    • Lakeshore Park Recreation Center

San Mateo County staff and volunteers routinely test 43 water sites every Monday for three bacteria: coliform, E. coli, and enterococcus.

When high indicator bacteria levels are found, the site is posted with a warning sign and is re-tested to confirm the results.

Signs, stating “These waters are contaminated and are not suitable for swimming or other water contact activities” will stay in place until further testing indicates bacteria levels have dropped to safe levels.

According to the county Web site "Swimming in water that is contaminated by sewage, animal waste, chemicals, or other types of contamination can result in minor illnesses such as; skin rashes, eye and ear infections, and upset stomachs, or more severe and potentially life-threatening diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and meningitis."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here