Bacteria levels prompt ocean water warnings at 13 L.A. County beaches

Beachgoers are being urged to avoid going into the water at more than a dozen beaches in Los Angeles County.

On Friday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings for 13 L.A. area beaches due to bacteria levels that are currently “exceeding health standards when last tested.”

The warnings come as another heat wave is expected to grip the Southland, with some communities experiencing temperatures in the high-90s and other facing triple digits.

Visitors are being told not to swim, surf or play in the ocean at the following beaches:

• Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach (entire swim area)
• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove (entire swim area)
• Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach (entire swim area)
• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps)
• Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach (entire swim area)
• Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach (entire swim area)
• Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove (100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier)
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro (entire swim area)
• Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach (entire swim area)
• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu (100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon)
• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms)
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)
• Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach (Near Dockweiler Tower 40, 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek)

In addition to these new restrictions, a prior ocean water use warning at Malibu Pier in Malibu has been lifted.

Ocean water restrictions are lifted when bacteria levels dip below levels that are considered dangerous; testing is conducted regularly.

Reasons for increased bacteria levels often include high temperatures and recent stormwater runoff.

Those interested in visiting one of L.A. County’s beaches can check the latest beach conditions by calling the beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. A map of impacted locations can be found here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.