Local News in Brief : Newport Beach : Backwater Channel Closed to Swimmers

A backwater channel was closed to swimmers Friday, following tests that showed elevated bacteria levels as the result of a raw-sewage spill.

“The counts are high right at where the waters came together, but counts diminish (further away) from the source of the spill,” said Gary Streed, a spokesman for the Orange County Sanitation Districts. “We think by Monday everything will be back to normal.”

Officials will continue to take daily tests of the water to measure bacteria levels, he said.

The spill--about 4,000 gallons--occurred Wednesday when a pipeline at the Bitter Point pumping station broke at 61st Street and Newport Shores. Pressure in the line had been increased because an alternate line was closed for repairs.

The line sprung a leak, and raw sewage spilled into a catch basin. However, the sewage then went out through a drain that sanitation officials didn’t know existed, Streed said.

Signs have been posted in the area warning visitors of the health risk of swimming in the waters, although it is mostly marshlands. Neighbors near the basin, the county Health Department and the regional water control board also have been notified, Streed said.