Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
When we get our big rains, our fertilizers, oil deposits, roadkill remnants, garbage, and other chemicals and debris (like trash!) wash off into the ocean. As the storm drains bring this water right out into our bay and ocean, it also washes immeasurable amounts of bacteria and trash right into our local oceanfront. This is the result of what is often called the “first-wash” (even if it’s already happened this season), and this time, the water bacteria and other contaminant levels in EVERY MEASURED AREA have exceeded state health standards, and could cause illness.
Experts at the ocbeachinfo.com monitoring stations have released an official statement:
“The Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms. The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff. Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Lend a hand in a beach cleanup process already being organized by several local groups, including Newport Pier’s Dory Deli! This Saturday, the cleanup will begin at 9am with all participants receiving gloves, bags, and a free coffee or hot chocolate from Dory. It will be a good time and will really help to repair and restore our beaches after this batch of El Nino storms! See you there?
