With recent rainfall from Tropical Storm Hilary, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services reminds community members about potential health risks associated with storm water runoff at countywide beaches.

Storm water is untreated rainwater that flows through the drain system into creeks, the ocean, and other waterways. Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.

To minimize potential health risks, it is recommended that people do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following a rain event.

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.

Sports harvesters should also avoid harvesting mussels for human consumption at this time due to increased health risks from naturally occurring biotoxins associated with marine algae growth during the summer months.

While stormwater runoff following rain events may temporarily impact shellfish beds, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an annual warning beginning May 1 to avoid consumption of all species of mussels recreationally harvested along the California coast, including bays, inlets and harbors.

The warning applies only to sport-harvested mussels, not commercially grown mussels or other seafood products marketed by state-certified companies. For more, call the California Department of Public Health’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line, 800-553-4133.

To learn what is being done locally to improve water quality, and how to help, visit www.sbprojectcleanwater.org.