Sewage spill prompts water closure at Dana Point beach

Officials ordered a closure Saturday, Nov. 3 to a portion of the ocean water area at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point due to a sewage spill.

The County of Orange Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health division closed the ocean water area 500 feet up coast and 500 feet down coast from the Estrella storm drain of Capistrano Bay Community Beach due to the spill, officials said in a statement.

Officials said approximately 35 gallons of sewage waste spilled into the water due to a blockage in a private sewer line in Dana Point.

“The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water-contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards,” officials said.

Bacteria levels exceeded health standards, said an automated message from the county’s environmental health division. Swimming, surfing and diving are prohibited in the affected area due to the spill.