Several local beaches and waterways were closed to the public Monday after a sewage leak was discovered on the eastern end of Alamitos Bay, health officials said.

The leak was stopped, but as a precaution, health officials ordered the closure of beaches throughout Alamitos Bay, including Mothers Beach, Marine Stadium, Colorado Lagoon and Bayshore Beach.

Nelson Kerr, the citys environmental health bureau manager, said Long Beach Fire Department officials discovered what appeared to be wastewater leaking from a seawall along Marina Drive at approximately 7 a.m. He said the leak was contained at 1 p.m., and during that time officials estimate 7,500 gallons of sewage was discharged into the bay.

Kerr, however, said it could be more as they are unsure when the leak first began.

Were really sad to have to close the beaches, but the first priority is peoples health and we dont want to put anybody at risk if we dont need to, Kerr said.

The Long Beach Health Department is testing the water quality of beaches both in the bay as well as oceanfront beaches, according to Councilwoman Suzie Prices office, which first released news of the closure shortly after 6 p.m. Monday. Beaches will remain closed and swimmers will be asked to stay out of the bay until test results can determine whether there are health risks associated with the spill.

Results from the first round of water samples are expected back by Tuesday afternoon, Kerr said, though Wednesday would be the earliest beaches could reopen because health officials require two consecutive days of clean results before lifting the closure.

Signs have been posted around the affected waterways.

The source of the spill is still under investigation.

The closure comes amid the first substantial heat wave of the summer season, with temperatures nearing 88 degrees Monday.

For the latest status on beach and bay closures or postings, call the Beach Advisory and Closure Hotline at 562-570-4199.

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Beaches and waterways closed after sewage spill in Long Beach - Long Beach Press Telegram