The County of Ventura obtained permits to install a system to execute controlled draining of the Santa Clara River Estuary. This is a temporary 'fix' to the problems caused by the accumulation of wastewater in this dry year when the rivermouth did not breach. McGrath State Beach, which was to re-opened this year following an outpouring of public support, has been closed all summer due to a flooded campground.
 |
| A fire hose was installed after the discharge pipe installed in the surf zone was damaged |
 |
| Pumping to lower water levels in the estuary prompted posting of a water quality advisory at the popular Santa Clara rivermouth surf break |
 |
| the long view - the fire hose discharge and a plume of brown water in the ocean are visible from the Ventura hillsides (photo credit KR) |
 |
| Water level has dropped about 5 inches after the first week of pumping at the Santa Clara estuary - nets are placed to prevent entrainment of the endangered tidewater goby and other fish |
Update: Pumping ceased the week of Oct 7. The water level in the estuary looked like this:
More info:
On this blog: wastewater
In the News:
Crews prepare pumping system to drain McGrath campgrounds
Draining of McGrath beach campground to begin Monday
McGrath State Beach
Ventura water rates increase
