California Residents Warned of Sewage Contamination at Popular Beaches

In July, health authorities had to close sections of Long Beach and Seal Beach after a massive raw sewage spill miles away raised concerns that the water had been contaminated. Warning signs were posted and visitors were told by lifeguards that the beaches were closed for several days.

According to Fox News, 2.4 million gallons of sewage covered streets and entered storm drains miles away after a sewage pipe collapsed. Although 750,000 gallons of the sewage was stopped, much of the rest made its way into the Los Angeles River and likely into the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the unpleasant nature of sewage contamination, it can expose people to a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. In some circumstances, there could even be hazardous chemicals mixed in with the sewage.

“People can come into contact with pathogens or chemical contaminants from a sewage spill through direct contact, ingestion or even inhalation in some circumstances,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Raw sewage in a lake or ocean, or even in the area near the collapsed pipe, is a potential exposure hazard and certainly a health concern.”

LA Testing can identify sewage contamination in water, on land or in buildings that have suffered damage. With multiple laboratories across California, they offer comprehensive testing services to identify microbial pathogens, contaminants and chemicals from sewage spills. LA Testing also provides all of the sampling supplies necessary to collect and submit a sample. These services are essential for identifying the extent of a spill and also for verifying that any cleanup efforts have been successful. 

To learn more about water testing, aquatic microbiology, sewage contamination or other environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail