Some ocean water closures lifted after sewage spill; amount of leak downgraded to 1.4 million gallons

Authorities have reopened about six miles of Orange County ocean and bay water areas closed by a 1.4-million-gallon sewage spill. The estimated amount of the spill was revised down from 4 million gallons.

The county Health Care Agency on Wednesday night announced the closure of more than 16 miles of water areas to swimming and water sports between Pelican Point at Crystal Cove State Park and Poche Beach at the Dana Point-San Clemente border.

About six miles were reopened Friday afternoon, but several miles will remain closed until results of water quality tests meet state bacteria standards.

The county lifted closures at Newport Beach, Doheny State Beach, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point Harbor and Poche Beach.

Closures remained in effect from El Moro Creek at Crystal Cove State Park to the southernmost point of Dana Strand in Dana Point.

The city of Laguna Beach said wastewater began leaking Wednesday afternoon from a broken valve on a 24-inch city sewage pipe near Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

The valve was replaced shortly after noon Friday, according to the Health Care Agency.

For updates on ocean and bay water quality, visit ocbeachinfo.com.

Daily Pilot staff contributed to this report.