Avoid the water in Los Angeles after a storm
Los Angeles has been hit with some heavy storms lately, but reports indicate that one neighborhood in particular took a serious hit. Residents of Hermosa Beach were rumored to experience flooding over the past few days, which created a variety of problems. Not only did people have to deal with wet homes and flooded streets, they now have to be wary of the water surrounding them. California needs the water, so we should all be grateful for this recent bout of wet weather. However, increased rain means we need to take extra precautions.
Out of an abundance of caution, here are a few things to consider about how you interact with water in the upcoming days.
Don’t go in the ocean
LA County officials issued a do-not-swim alert for local beaches over the next few days. Why? By now it’s widely understood that rain washes storm water into the ocean. Unlike waste water, which is treated and sanitized before it hits The Pacific, rain water is allowed to stream directly into the sea.
While this might not sound too bad on the surface, consider all of the debris and particles that are collected from the runoff. From pet waste to car chemicals and more, storm water can pollute the ocean, which is yet another unlucky hit for Hermosa. In addition to recent flooding, residents who enjoy running along The Strand or surfing now have to avoid the beach for days.
Filter your tap water
Most homeowners already have some sort of filtration in place for their tap water. Whether it’s a simple pitcher, a faucet system, or even a reverse-osmosis mechanism, residents use caution from drinking from the tap. If you don’t, it might be a good time to call the most experienced plumber in Hermosa Beach. Fisk-it Plumbing can install any of the above filtration systems.
Whether you live near The Hermosa Pier or anywhere else in The South Bay, we may even be able to assist in a tap water test to ensure that you and your family are drinking healthy, reliable water at all times (which may be a good idea anyway, given all of the recent water main breaks). While there’s no conclusive evidence that our local tap water is contaminated, or that it worsens after a storm, you can never be too careful.
Increase your awareness of local seafood
We believe firmly in supporting the local economy (we’re a local business after all). However, we also think it’s better to be safe than sorry. With a confirmed high level of pollution in the ocean at the moment, it’s a good time to investigate the sources and practices of local seafood catch. What kind of fish is caught off our coast, and who serves it? Moreover, is it safe to eat after being exposed to storm water? With a little internet searching and by simply talking with your local grocer, you can find out important info to make healthier, more informed decisions about your dinner.