Officials have announced the temporary closure of coastal waters in Huntington and Newport Beach due to a large sewage runoff in Orange County.
The affected areas will range from Talbert Channel Outfall in Huntington State Beach to a projection of Grant Street in Newport Beach, OC Healthcare Agency announced Saturday.
“The approximately 4,000 gallons of sewage runoff was caused by a clogged roots and grease on the Costa Mesa sewer line,” HCA said in the release.
Officials said the response crew used a vacuum truck to retrieve about 3,000 gallons, but an estimated 1,000 gallons remain in the system.
OC Director Katrina Foley issued a statement following the beach closure, saying that although the leaks were resolved, the sewage still entered the sea at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, “contributed to the closure of 2,000 feet north and south of the channel.”
4,000 gallons of sewage have been drained, closing the above coastal areas of Orange County. May 2025 (OC Healthcare Institution)
The affected seawater areas will remain closed to swimming, surfing and diving until water quality meets acceptable standards, according to the HCA.
“As a public health and safety issue, I urge residents, visitors and beach fans to follow signs posted to residents, visitors and beach fans and avoid contact with seawater in areas affected by sewage released when water quality is assessed,” Foley said. “My office continues to monitor and enquire about the potential impact of the source on residents and will update as we learn more.”
For more information about posting and closures for Orange County Ocean, Bay, or Port, please call 714-433-6400 or visit www.ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage runoff, call 714-433-6419.
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