Beaches west of Belmont Shore closed after sewage spill that moved down LA River

A few beaches in Long Beach were closed on Wednesday, Jan. 3, after a sewage spill originating in San Gabriel flowed down into the Los Angeles River.

Around 15,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the Rubio Wash in San Gabriel Wednesday afternoon, flowing from the wash down to the LA River., according to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

The spill, caused by a grease blockage in a sewer main line, will eventually make the 25 mile journey south and circulate into the Pacific Ocean, the department said.

A rain advisory already had been put in place on Wednesday, recommending that people avoid swimming in the water for three days following the recent light shower.

All beaches west of Belmont Shore were closed until further notice while the department’s inspection team monitor the water quality along the affected beaches.

Residents can call the water hotline at 562-570-4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality for the latest status on Long Beach recreational beach water quality.