News Summary
San Diego County has announced the extension of beach closures, now affecting the Silver Strand shoreline and the southern end of Coronado, due to elevated bacteria levels. This decision brings significant health risks to swimmers as contamination issues continue with the Tijuana River flowing into recreational waters. While several advisories are in place for other areas in the county, the ongoing efforts by environmental agencies aim to improve water safety and address persistent pollution challenges in the region.
San Diego County has announced the extension of beach closures to include the Silver Strand shoreline and the southern end of Coronado, effective Sunday. This decision follows the detection of elevated bacteria levels in the ocean water, posing a potential health risk to swimmers. The area affected by the closure also includes Coronado Avenida Lunar.
Earlier closures were already in place for the Tijuana Slough and Imperial Beach Shorelines, which had been designated for water contact restrictions due to ongoing contamination issues. The county’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality reported that the Tijuana River continues to flow into recreational waters, contributing to the contamination and increasing health risks for beachgoers. In light of this situation, officials emphasize that the ocean water may contain sewage, which could lead to illness. Access to the affected areas will remain restricted until safety is confirmed through thorough sampling and field observations.
The Imperial Beach shoreline has been closed since August 2, 2021, from the south end of Seacoast Drive to the Imperial Beach Pier. Additionally, since December 8, 2021, the ocean shoreline from the U.S.-Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, has also been closed due to consistent sewage flows crossing the border.
In conjunction with these closures, advisories are in effect for five other areas in the county: North Bonita Cove in Mission Bay, La Jolla Cove, Children’s Pool in La Jolla, the San Dieguito River outlet in Del Mar, and San Elijo Lagoon at Cardiff State Beach. Although these advisories do not indicate complete closures, they stem from concerns related to animal activity, stagnant water, or runoff, which could pose reduced health risks. Officials strongly recommend that beachgoers avoid contact with the water in these areas.
Addressing the ongoing contamination challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission have completed an expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. This expansion, which was completed ahead of schedule, has increased the plant’s treatment capacity from 25 million gallons per day (MGD) to 35 MGD, representing a 40% boost aimed at reducing wastewater flow into the Tijuana River and alleviating odor issues associated with sewage discharge.
Frustration has mounted among community members over the persistent contamination problems and the associated health risks posed by water pollution. Recent studies have established a correlation between water pollution and toxic air emissions in the vicinity, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and action on this issue. The ongoing sewage crisis has severely impacted public enjoyment of places like Imperial Beach, with families warned to exercise caution when near contaminated waters.
Closure signs have been prominently posted along the affected beaches to notify visitors of the health hazards. It is important to note that while certain areas, such as Mission Beach, have reported safe water conditions, officials are still warning beachgoers about rip tides in those locations. Regular updates on closure and advisory statuses for beaches are maintained by the San Diego County Beach and Bay Program.
To combat the ongoing pollution crisis, Mexican officials are actively working to repair and improve sewer infrastructure, reporting partial successes at local wastewater treatment facilities. These efforts are essential for addressing the persistent issues affecting the waters in the region and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of local beaches for all residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Wikipedia: Beach
- CBS 8 News
- Google Search: beach closures San Diego
- NBC San Diego
- Google Scholar: san diego beach contamination
- Coronado Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: beach pollution
- NBC San Diego – Water Contamination
- Google News: coronado beach closure
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
