Catalina Island saltwater line disruption leads to closure of a portion of Avalon Beach

A portion of Avalon Beach on Catalina Island remains closed off today because of a break in the city's saltwater line, which prompted the City of Avalon to "clarify" a Los Angeles County report that called the incident a "300-gallon sewage spill." 

"The City of Avalon would like to clarify recent information shared regarding an incident that occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 just before 10:40 pm on Front Street between Clarissa Avenue and Catalina Avenue," the city wrote in a news release.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water closure, with a map showing a beach closure that stretched across the Green Pleasure Pier, due to sewage. 

Los Angeles public health officials warned beachgoers to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand.

The City of Avalon says it was not a sewage spill. "The incident involved a break in the City's Saltwater main. Public Works crews responded immediately and worked overnight to isolate and shut off the affected saltwater line."

While the Los Angeles Department of Public Health said it will continue to sample the water before it deems it safe, the City of Avalon said, "the incident consisted primarily of saltwater and minor debris."  It noted that the area was "promptly cleaned."

"The City is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which has initiated water quality testing. Current beach advisories and closures will remain in place until testing confirms that water quality meets state health standards," the City of Avalon wrote.  

To view the map of impacted locations and for more information, visit: PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach/.