San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties have issued Rain Advisories for all local beaches.
The public is advised to avoid contact with the water at local beaches during and 72 hours after a significant rain event.
The Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Division says because stormwater runoff is untreated and flows directly into the ocean from drain systems and creeks, it may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants and can increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition, sport harvesters should wait at least 10 days after a significant rain to harvest shellfish because high levels of bacteria, pesticides, herbicides, and motor oil grease flushed into the ocean with the storm runoff may contaminate the shellfish beds.
