A massive sewage spill in the ritzy Southern California enclave of Laguna Beach prompted the closure of a popular beach for the Fourth of July weekend.
Officials shut off access to Thalia Beach due to a 2,000-gallon sewage spill from a malfunctioning sewer line pump on Thursday.
“Ocean Water Closure: Until further notice, the open coastal area spanning from 0.25 miles upcoast to 0.25 miles downcoast of Anita Street at Thalia Beach in Laguna Beach is closed to swimming, surfing, and diving due to a sewage spill,” the Orange County Health Care Agency said in an X post.
The coastline will be closed for a minimum of three days to ocean water contact sports, “until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.”
“We’re closely monitoring an active sewage spill of approximately 2,000 gallons in Laguna Beach, caused by a malfunction of a force main sewer line pump,” OC Supervisor Katrina Foley told KTLA.
“Orange County Environmental Health is assessing water quality and determining the extent of necessary beach and ocean closures over the holiday weekend.”
The public has been asked to avoid entering the water in the area until further notice.