Sewage spill prompts beach water safety warning

Approximately 1,350 gallons of sewage spilled onto the street, with around 500 gallons recovered

– The City of Pismo Beach Utilities Department reported a sewage spill into a storm drain at the intersection of Morro Avenue and Ocean Blvd. An electrical failure caused a pump failure, leading to a mainline overflow. The incident began at 9:20 a.m. yesterday and was controlled by 9:47 a.m. Approximately 1,350 gallons of sewage spilled onto the street, with around 500 gallons recovered. Some sewage flowed across the street and into a storm drain that leads to the Pacific Ocean.

The City of Pismo Beach Utilities personnel repaired the problem and are cleaning up the spill. An ocean water sample was collected near the storm drain outlet, and warning signs were posted at the nearest beach access point at Eldwayen Ocean Park.

The San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services Division advises beachgoers to avoid contacting the ocean water near the outlet at Eldwayen Ocean Park until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.

For more information about beach water quality, visit the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at SurfSafeSLO.org or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411.