The spill, caused by a blockage in the sewage system, released an estimated 550 gallons of sewage into the ocean near El Paseo Grande, approximately 1,000 feet south of Scripps Memorial Pier. The contamination forced the closure of the water 150 feet north and south of the beach access point.
DEHQ officials were notified of the spill around 10:30 a.m. and immediately conducted water tests that confirmed unsafe bacteria levels. The affected area will remain closed until daily water sampling indicates the contamination has cleared and conditions are safe for public use.
The county advises beachgoers to stay out of the water in the affected zone, as contact with the contaminated ocean water could lead to illness. Updates on closures can be found on the county's Beach and Bay Program website.
The last recorded closure of part of La Jolla Shores due to unsafe bacteria levels occurred in 2018, making this event a rare occurrence for the area.
Other closures and advisories for bacterial contamination in the county on Wednesday included portions of San Diego River Dog Beach, Tamarack and Buena Vista Lagoon Outlet, Encina Creek Outlet, Harbor Beach, and La Jolla Children’s Pool.
The City of San Diego, which manages the affected sewage line and storm drain, has not yet commented on the incident.
