Due to continued rainfall from last night and storms expected next week, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services reminds residents 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, according to the Health Department.

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.

Also, due to increased creek flows, debris such as logs may be present in the ocean and other waterways posing an increased risk of injury to anyone entering these waters, the county said.  

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

Recreational/sport-harvesters should wait at least 10 days after significant rain to harvest shellfish, officials advise.

High bacterial levels, pesticide, herbicide and motor oil grease flushed into the ocean with the storm runoff may impact shellfish beds.

Adequate cooking of shellfish will destroy harmful bacteria but may not be effective in killing viruses, officials said. Cooking does not eliminate chemical and metal pollutants in shellfish.