Sewage Spill into San Luis Obispo Creek

Author: Public Health Department, Environmental Health Services Team
Date: 2/13/2025 4:50 PM

Environmental Health Services advises that beach goers should avoid contacting the ocean water at the creek outfall at Avila Beach until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.

Per the City of San Luis Obispo Wastewater Treatment Plant, as of 12:40 p.m. today, a release of partially treated wastewater mixed with diluted rainwater began at a treatment facility due to the storm surge event. Approximately 50,000 gallons of material was released into the San Luis Obispo Creek. The release was mitigated at 1:00 p.m.

The nearest beach access point is at the San Luis Creek outfall at Avila Beach. The San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services Division advises that beach goers avoid contacting the ocean water at the creek outfall at Avila Beach. The Beach Closure Advisories have been issued for the creek outfall and beach areas up-coast and down-coast of the Avila Beach Pier. Ocean water samples will be taken at these locations tomorrow following this storm surge event.

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department advises the public to avoid ocean water contact during, and at least three days following, significant rainstorms-such as the recent storm. Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Rainstorm runoff is known to transport high levels of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa from the watershed and urban areas to the ocean. Such organisms carried into the ocean can cause skin, respiratory, and intestinal problems. Young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to these waterborne pathogens.

Surfers, swimmers and others are advised to avoid contact with ocean water during this period, especially in areas close to creeks, rivers, storm drains and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean. Anyone who inadvertently has contact with ocean water during this time should monitor for symptoms and contact their doctor if symptoms persist or are moderate to severe.

For more information about beach water quality, please visit the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at SurfSafeSLO.org or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411.

For media inquiries, contact the City of San Luis Obispo Wastewater Treatment Plant at 805-431-3808.

Download a PDF of the official notice of this spill.