Southland residents are advised by Heal the Bay to avoid water contact at local beaches for 72 hours after a rainstorm.

According to Heal the Bay, a nonprofit environmental group, storm drain systems designed to prevent flooding also direct pollution into coastal waters.

The pollution poses health risks to those coming into contact with it.

"The first heavy rain of the season is a real eye opener about the extent of marine-bound debris in our storm drains," said Karin Hall, executive director of Heal the Bay. "That's why we're working so hard to address the root causes of this kind of pollution."

Individuals can take steps to reduce some of the pollution by keeping trash out of gutters and storm drains, properly disposing animal waste and automotive fluids, and avoiding overwatering.

For tips are available at www.healthebay.org/ waystoheal.