LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 4 (Laguna Beach Daily) — Orange County health officials closed a section of ocean water near Laguna Beach after about 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled Thursday evening, making swimming, surfing and diving off-limits in the area.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said the closure covers a quarter-mile upcoast and quarter-mile downcoast from Anita Street at Thalia Beach. Officials said the water will remain closed for at least three days, or until testing shows conditions meet acceptable standards.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said county environmental health staff were assessing water quality and deciding how far the beach and ocean closure should extend. Foley urged residents, visitors and tourists to follow public health warnings and avoid the beach.
The health agency said the spill came from a sewer-system malfunction. Officials did not immediately say when the affected water would reopen.
