Advertisement Beach advisory posted at Lovers Point, public told to avoid water Share Shares Copy Link Copy

This story has been updated: Lovers Point beach advisory lifted- - - - - - - - - - - A beach advisory has been posted at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The advisory was posted due to high indicator bacteria found in samples taken Monday. The advisory will remain posted until new samples show that bacteria levels are safe for water contact. According to the Monterey County Health Department, there are various sources of bacteria such as marine life (i.e. seals, otters, and birds) and other animals; rainfall runoff; storm drains; and human activity. Rainfall is associated with increased bacterial levels due to runoff particularly in the area of man-made and natural storm drains such as culverts, streams and rivers.Higher levels of bacteria have been associated with the increased potential risk of illness. Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations Section 7958 establishes bacterial standards for ocean water at beaches that are 1) visited by more than 50,000 people annually; 2) located adjacent to a storm drain (i.e. culvert, creek, or stream etc.) that flows during the summer. Therefore, when bacterial levels exceed bacterial standards an advisory is issued and beaches are posted with an advisory notice.