A spill of approximately 4,500 gallons of untreated sewage due to equipment failure in Santa Barbara has led to a closure on East Beach.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Santa Barbara County Health Department issued a “Beach Closed” notice in response to the reported spill.

The spill involved a pump bypass failure on the 2700 block of De La Vina Street during the recent rain storm. 

As a result, East Beach from 1/4-mile east to 1/8-mile west of the Mission Creek outfall has been closed to recreational water contact. 

Officials have posted signs warning the public to avoid all contact with the water until sample results indicate the ocean is safe for recreational use. 

Contact with sewage-contaminated water increases the risk for certain types of illnesses.

Additionally, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services issued reminders about potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at beaches throughout the county following recent rainfall. 

Untreated rainwater that flows through the drain system into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways may increase the risk for certain types of illnesses.

Those include rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea for swimmers, surfers or others who come into contact with the storm water. 

To minimize potential health risks, do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following a rain event, county officials said. 

Beachgoers should also avoid areas near the outfall from drainpipes and creeks that enter the ocean following a rain event, as storm water runoff may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants.