The Goleta Beach closure for water activities that began on February 22, 2024, remains in place due to a massive sewage spill. The spill was determined to be approximately one million gallons. Santa Barbara County Public Health officials advised the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors at its February 27, 2024, meeting that the beach will remain closed until water testing confirms it is safe for the public. The meeting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=595zkTFISvg.

Goleta Beach from 1 mile to the east and ½ mile to the west of the Goleta Slough outfall is part of this closure. Avoid recreational water use at Goleta Beach. Contact with sewage-contaminated water increases the risk of illness.

For questions related to the sewage spill please contact Goleta West Sanitary District at bmccarthy@goletawest.org or 805-968-2617.

For questions related to the beach closure and water testing, please contact Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services at phdehsweb@sbcphd.org or 805-681-4900.

If you were in the water prior to the public being made aware of the sewage spill, and have any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

The source of the spill at Goleta West Sanitary District (courtesy Laura Capps)