Over 5,000 gallons of untreated sewage leaked into the world famous Malibu Lagoon. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Doc Searls
No one likes swimming around in raw sewage, but surfers in Malibu are doing just that, despite closures to Malibu Lagoon State Beach issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
According to health officials, 5,000-6,000 gallons of untreated sewage was released into water off the world famous beach.
“The sewage came from a damaged wastewater line that leaked into a storm drain at the corner of Malibu Canyon Road and Potter Road,” wrote CBS News. “The wastewater line has been stopped and the immediate area surrounding it has been cleaned.”
Although the leak has been stopped and a bit of cleanup has occurred, the closure, which spans the Malibu Lagoon State Beach and the areas a quarter mile north and south of the beach, will remain in affect until the water is clean enough to meet health standards. Public Health is testing the water daily and will reopen the beach when it’s safe to do so.
To keep an eye on when things are a little less… sewage-filled, check the LA County Public Health website.
