VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — Storm systems add the hazard of heightened levels of bacteria in the ocean.

This is typical after a rain event, because the rain washes everything on the streets and roadways that flow into the storm drains, and ultimately onto the beaches and into the ocean.

The manager of Ventura County’s Environmental Health Division, Sean Debley, says their weekly water quality sampling shows bacteria levels can remain elevated for 72 hours after the rain stops, and cause illness to those who get in the water.