County warns of elevated fecal bacteria detected in ocean water off Pismo Beach, prompting a health advisory as officials investigate the source. This developing issue has sparked both concern and debate. To stay informed, check updates on sanluisobispo.com (https://www.sanluisobispo.com/) for breaking news alerts. A live-breaking news newsletter is available at the same website. Update: 12 p.m.
San Luis Obispo County Public Health Agency testing sites along the Pismo Beach coast revealed acceptable levels of fecal bacteria as of Tuesday morning, reported by Pismo Beach city manager Jorge Garcia. The agency tested near Wadsworth Avenue, finding elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria, a type of fecal bacterium, alongside e. coli and coliform samples. County environmental health specialist Liberty Amundson confirmed these findings.
Since the results were published, health advisories have been posted at beach access points, advising residents and swimmers to avoid the water until the advisory concludes. Amundson emphasized that while the bacteria exceed safe thresholds, their origin—human, animal, or wildlife—is still unclear.
Amundson noted that the bacteria persist in daily tests along the stretch, though recent levels have declined. She explained that the advisory’s duration reflects consistent positive bacterial activity, with numbers increasing and then decreasing over time. The county aims to monitor bacterial levels until they fall within safe limits. Meanwhile, swimmers are urged to steer clear of water near signs marked for beach access areas.
This advisory remains one of the longest-lasting public health measures in the county’s history. However, its effectiveness depends on continued detection of such bacteria, despite previous declines. Amundson acknowledged that the trend may stabilize, but the advisory will remain pending further data. Joan Lynch, a housing reporter for the San Luis Obispo Tribune, originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, joined the Tribune after completing journalism and telecommunications studies at Ball State University.
