Sewage Spill into Storm Drain in Pismo Beach

Author: Public Health Department, Environmental Health Services Team
Date: 7/3/2024 1:15 PM

Environmental Health Services advises that beach goers should avoid contacting the ocean water near the outlet at Eldwayen Ocean Park until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.

City of Pismo Beach Utilities has reported a sewage spill into storm drain at the intersection of Morro Avenue and Ocean Blvd in Pismo Beach, California. Per the reporting party, an electrical failure caused a pump failure, which caused a main line to overflow. The incident started this morning at 0920 hours and was controlled at 0947 hours. Approximately 1350 gallons of sewage was spilled onto the street. Approximately 500 gallons was recovered. Some of the sewage flowed across the street and into a storm drain that leads to the Pacific Ocean. The City of Pismo Beach Utilities personnel have repaired the problem and are cleaning up the spill.

An ocean water sample was collected near the storm drain outlet, and warning signs were posted at the nearest beach access point at Eldwayen Ocean Park. The San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services Division advises that beach goers should avoid contacting the ocean water near this outlet until sample results indicate acceptable levels of bacteria.

For more information about beach water quality, please visit the Public Health Department Beach Water Quality website at SurfSafeSLO.org or call the Ocean Water Monitoring Program Telephone Hotline at (805) 788-3411.

For media inquiries, contact City of Pismo Beach Utilities at (805) 773-4657.

Download a PDF of the official notice of this spill.