A sewage spill in Laguna Beach has forced officials to close part of the coastline just as Fourth of July weekend crowds were expected to head for the water.
Access to Thalia Beach was shut down Thursday after about 2,000 gallons of sewage spilled from a malfunctioning pump connected to a sewer force main line, according to local officials.
“Ocean Water Closure: Until further notice, the open coastal area spanning from 0.25 miles upcoast to 0.25 miles downcoast of Anita Street at Thalia Beach in Laguna Beach is closed to swimming, surfing, and diving due to a sewage spill,” the Orange County Health Care Agency said in a post on X.
The affected stretch of ocean will remain off-limits to water contact activities for at least three days, and officials said it will not reopen until follow-up testing shows the water meets acceptable quality standards.
“We’re closely monitoring an active sewage spill of approximately 2,000 gallons in Laguna Beach, caused by a malfunction of a force main sewer line pump,” Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley told KTLA.
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“Orange County Environmental Health is assessing water quality and determining the extent of necessary beach and ocean closures over the holiday weekend,” Foley added.
Authorities are urging the public to stay out of the water in the impacted area until the closure is lifted.
