Officials closed a stretch of coastal waters along Laguna Beach after a sewer main broke near Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

Approximately 465,000 gallons of sewage spilled, closing part of the coastline to swimming, surfing, and diving.

“The OC Health Care Agency, Environmental Health Services, has closed the open coastal water area in Laguna Beach spanning from Treasure Island Beach to Table Rock at Aliso Beach due to a sewage spill,” the City of Laguna Beach wrote.

Ocean Water Closure

The OC Health Care Agency, Environmental Health Services, has closed the open coastal water area in Laguna Beach spanning from Treasure Island Beach to Table Rock at Aliso Beach due to a sewage spill. pic.twitter.com/6aWarGQWJW

— City of Laguna Beach (@lagunabeachgov) January 15, 2025

From the Los Angeles Times:

Although the sewer line breach has since been patched, area beaches remained closed to activities that include swimming, surfing and diving. The waters will remain closed until conditions improve, according to Orange County officials.

“I urge OC residents, visitors, and tourists to heed public health experts’ warnings and avoid the closed beaches in Laguna while the @ochealth tests water quality,” Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley posted on X.

The spill is the second to hit the county in as many months.

In December, the coastal area around Salt Creek in Dana Point was closed after 3,375 gallons of sewage spilled into the sea.

🚨 Laguna Beach beaches from Treasure Island to Table Rock are closed until further notice due to a sewage spill.

I urge OC residents, visitors, and tourists to heed public health experts’ warnings and avoid the closed beaches in Laguna while the @ochealth tests water quality. pic.twitter.com/WhxKhBJj5W

— Supervisor Katrina Foley (@SupervisorFoley) January 15, 2025

Huge sewage leak in Laguna Beach. Gross! This sucks. pic.twitter.com/x2TDNt3Aqj

— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) January 17, 2025

Per Newsweek:

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are at least 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows in U.S. every year. This number does not include sewage backups into buildings.

Sewage spills can introduce toxic chemicals, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals into the environment, contaminating soil and water sources. People exposed to sewage-contaminated water or surfaces may experience acute health problems and prolonged exposure can lead to chronic conditions or environmental damage.

Spills can also exacerbate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can further complicate public health efforts.

The latest incident comes as the state of California also battles wildfires. Los Angeles County has been ravaged by blazes across multiple neighborhoods, with the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires—in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and Pasadena and Altadena respectively—the most destructive. Laguna Beach is around 40 miles south of Los Angeles.