All Long Beach Open Coastal Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Local Sewage Spill

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

10/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 103126-01

Long Beach, CA - Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada has ordered the temporary closure of all open coastal swimming areas following a sewage spill that may affect recreational water quality. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the recreational water quality meets State requirements.

According to a report from the Long Beach Utilities Department, an estimated 27,000 gallons of sewage was discharged near Livingston Drive and Second Street beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The spill was associated with a force main break, a pressurized pipe to convey wastewater. Long Beach Utilities has rerouted flow using a bypass line. The City's contractor Ocean Blue was activated to assist with spill cleanup efforts. Utilities has called in their emergency contractor to begin repairs on the force main break.

The City of Long Beach Health Department's Recreational Water Quality Environmental Health Specialists are monitoring water quality in our coastal beaches. Water monitoring will continue until sampling results comply with State recreational water quality standards.

Long Beach has over six miles of public beach. To protect public health and safety, weekly water samples are collected and tested routinely to monitor bacterial levels. For their safety, community members are encouraged to pay close attention to warning signs posted at the beach and to avoid water contact while closures are in effect.

For the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality, the public may call the Water Hotline at 562.570.4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.

Media inquiries regarding water quality can be directed to the Department of Health and Human Services Public Affairs Office, [email protected]. Media inquiries regarding the sewage spill and the City's response can be directed to Joy Contreras, Public Information Officer, Long Beach Utilities, at [email protected].