Warning issued for surfers, swimmers

The Orange County Health Care Agency issued a rain advisory on

Thursday, warning swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water.

After steady rainfall, the bacteria count in the water tends to jump

for about three days. The rain usually washes down storm drains and

outlets of creeks and rivers and collects pollution on its way to the

ocean.

These channels carry urban runoff -- motor oil residue, animal waste

and decomposing vegetation -- during the dry months.

The bacteria is caused by animal and human waste that enters the

channels.

The agency also warned people who use the beach during this time to

avoid contact with runoff or ocean water.