Update 7/13: Based on samples taken on Monday, July 11, San Mateo County has posted warning signs (indicating that a swimmer may become ill after water contact activities) at these areas due to elevated levels of indicator bacteria:
- Ocean Beaches:
Pillar Point #7 (End Westpoint at surf)
- Creeks (where they meet or cross the beach)
San Pedro Creek
San Vicente Creek
North Roosevelt Creek
South Roosevelt Creek
San Gregorio Creek
Pomponio Creek
Bean Hollow Creek
Gazos Creek
- Bay Beaches
Lakeshore Park Recreation Center
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Posted July 7, 2011
Warning signs have been posted today at several San Mateo County recreational water locations after unhealthy levels of bacteria were found on Monday morning during routine testing.
The county's Department of Environmental Health says anyone that enters the water in contaminated areas does so at their own risk; there may be a risk of illness associated with swimming.
The warnings are an advisory rather than a quarantine or beach closure, and are posted when bacterial standards have exceeded state swimming standards but there is no confirmed source of contamination.
Ocean beaches found with so-called "indicator bacteria" include:
- Pillar Point #7 (End Westpoint at surf)
- Pescadero Beach
Creeks and Bay Beaches found to have the unhealthy bacteria include:
- Creeks (where they meet or cross the beach)
- San Vicente Creek
- San Pedro Creek
- North Roosevelt Creek
- Pomponio Creek
- Bay Beaches
- Lakeshore Park Recreation Center
San Mateo County staff and volunteers routinely test 43 water sites every Monday for three bacteria: coliform, E. coli, and enterococcus.
When high indicator bacteria levels are found, the site is posted with a warning sign and is re-tested to confirm the results.
Signs, stating “These waters are contaminated and are not suitable for swimming or other water contact activities” will stay in place until further testing indicates bacteria levels have dropped to safe levels.
According to the county Web site "Swimming in water that is contaminated by sewage, animal waste, chemicals, or other types of contamination can result in minor illnesses such as; skin rashes, eye and ear infections, and upset stomachs, or more severe and potentially life-threatening diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and meningitis."
