High Bacteria Levels Found at Moonstone Beach

MOONSTONE BEACH, CA (KIEM) – Bacteria levels have exceeded health standards at one North Coast Beach.

Water samples taken by the Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday were determined unsafe.  Warning signs were then posted, and it is recommended that people stay 50 yards away from the Little River at Moonstone. DHHS conducts water testing from April through October.

“It’s often common to see a little bit of an elevated bacteria level following water or rain events, and its been pretty wet lately. It is a warning, but its not a beach closure. We want to give the public as much information as [we] can, so they can recreate safely,” said Amanda Ruddy, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHHS.

DHHS will do another water quality test on Tuesday. That will determine if beachgoers can go back in the water at Moonstone Beach.