MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — Advisories have been posted at three Monterey County beaches due to fecal contamination and visitors are asked to avoid recreational contact with the water, county officials announced Tuesday. High levels of indicator bacteria, which test for fecal contamination, showed up in samples taken on Monday at Monterey Municipal Beach, Asilomar State Beach and Carmel Beach.

County officials said the bacteria is associated with higher risk of illness, and can come from marine life, animals, storm drains and human activity.

The advisory will be lifted as soon as bacteria levels return to a safe level for swimming and recreation, county officials said.