The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has lifted the water contact closure for Goleta Beach.

Water quality testing conducted by Environmental Health Services has confirmed the ocean water is now safe for recreational use along the Goleta Beach County Park shoreline following the reported sewage spill in mid-February.

The east end of Goleta Beach County Park remains closed for public access due to ongoing emergency storm and beach nourishment operations. A water contact advisory will remain in effect for this restricted shoreline area.

“We acknowledge the impact of the beach closure has had on Goleta Beach visitors, and sincerely thank the community for their cooperation while we conducted additional ocean water sampling to confirm its safety for swimming, paddling, and other water contact activities,” said Lars Seifert, Environmental Health Services director.

“With the lifting of the beach closure, let’s embrace the opportunity to once again enjoy the beauty of Goleta Beach County Park together,” he said.

For up-to-date information on the status of routinely sampled beaches countywide, visit the Ocean Water Monitoring website, or call the 24-hour recorded Ocean Water Quality Hotline, 805-681-4949.

To find out what is being done to improve water quality in the county and how to help, visit www.sbprojectcleanwater.org.