IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. - The San Diego Department of Environmental Health expanded an existing water contact closure area at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge shoreline north to include beaches south of Carnation Avenue.

According to health officials, sewage-contaminated runoff in the Tijuana River has been entering the Tijuana Estuary as a result of this season’s rainfall and is still flowing.

Observations on Tuesday indicate northward moving ocean currents and contamination of ocean water at Imperial Beach is suspected.

Signs warning of sewage contaminated water will remain in place until field measurements indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use.

For more information on the affected areas, call the U.S. International Boundary & Water Commission at 619-662-7600, or the beach closure information hotline at 619-338-2073.