LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 4 (Laguna Beach Daily) — Swimming, surfing and diving are off-limits in part of Laguna Beach after Orange County health officials closed ocean water near Thalia Beach because of a sewage spill reported Thursday evening.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said the closure covers about a quarter-mile upcoast and downcoast from Anita Street at Thalia Beach. Officials said the spill involved about 2,000 gallons.
County health officials said the affected water is expected to stay closed for at least three days, or until water-quality monitoring shows acceptable conditions.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said Orange County Environmental Health was assessing water quality and determining how far the beach and ocean closure needed to extend. In a statement shared by county and local coverage, she urged residents, visitors and tourists to follow public health warnings and avoid the beach area.
One county alert described the spill as tied to a nearby construction project; other coverage said it involved a malfunctioning sewer component. County officials said they would keep testing the water before reopening the area.
