If you’re headed down to San Clemente to hit the water today, stay away from North Beach where a sewage spill has closed a portion of the beach.

The Orange County Health Agency closed the beach as of 8:30 a.m. today, an area that includes 150 feet upcoast and 150 feet downcoast of the Pico storm drain.

The  area is closed to swimming, surfing and diving.

The spill occured when a piece of debris got  stuck in a valve at the sewage treatment plant, said Director of Public Works David Lund.

The city was able to catch about 100 gallons of sewage before it reached the beach, but 50 gallons made its way into the water.

“I can’t imagine it will be closed for very long, but we’ll leave that up to the County health department,” he said.

 Lifeguard supervisor Kevin Hoy said signs are posted where beachgoers are restricted.

For more info on beach closures and bacteria levels at your beach, go to ocbeachinfo.com

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