Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services has issued an advisory regarding potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at countywide beaches. This warning comes after Wednesday's rainfall, which is projected to persist through Thursday, impacting local waterways and coastal areas.
Storm water, distinct from treated wastewater, is untreated rainwater that flows through drain systems. This runoff ultimately discharges into creeks, the ocean, and other critical waterways across the county. As it travels, storm water can pick up and carry various pollutants.
Contact with this storm water, particularly through activities like swimming or surfing, may elevate the risk for certain types of illnesses. Residents engaging in these water activities could face symptoms such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. The presence of untreated runoff introduces contaminants that can compromise water quality and pose a direct threat to public health.
Officials further advised that increased creek flows, a direct consequence of significant rainfall, can introduce debris into the ocean and other waterways. Items such as logs may be present, creating an elevated risk of injury for anyone entering these waters. This physical hazard compounds the bacterial and chemical risks associated with the runoff.
To minimize potential health and safety risks, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services recommends that the public refrain from swimming, playing, or surfing in the ocean and creeks. This advisory applies during the rain event and for at least three days following its conclusion. This waiting period allows for potential contaminants to dissipate or be flushed out, reducing immediate exposure risks.
Beachgoers are also advised to actively avoid areas located near the outfall from drainpipes and where creeks enter the ocean, especially after a rain event. These specific locations are particularly susceptible to high concentrations of bacteria and other pollutants carried by storm water runoff, making them zones of heightened risk for water contact.
For recreational and sport-harvesters of shellfish, a more extended period of caution is recommended. Individuals should wait at least 10 days after significant rainfall before harvesting shellfish. This extended waiting period is critical because high bacterial levels, along with pesticides, herbicides, and motor oil grease, can be flushed into the ocean with storm runoff. These pollutants may directly impact shellfish beds, making the shellfish unsafe for consumption.
It is important to note that while adequate cooking of shellfish can effectively destroy harmful bacteria, it may not be sufficient to eliminate viruses that could be present. Furthermore, cooking does not remove chemical and metal pollutants that may accumulate in shellfish due as a result of contaminated waters. Therefore, waiting the recommended 10-day period is the most reliable method to ensure the safety of harvested shellfish after a significant rain event.
