What to know
- The official Los Angeles River Recreation Zones are open daily from sunrise to sunset, starting Memorial Day through September 30 each year.
- LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) samples and tests the water twice a week for bacteria to ensure it is safe for activities like kayaking and fishing.
- While kayaking, wading, and fishing are permitted in designated zones, swimming in the LA River is always prohibited for public safety.
- Rainstorms can wash dangerous urban runoff and swift currents into the river, which automatically triggers safety closures for at least 72 hours.
Our River Monitoring Program
The Los Angeles River is a beautiful, thriving ecosystem winding right through the heart of our city. To help Angelenos safely enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking and birdwatching, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) manages two seasonal recreation zones: the 2-mile Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone and the 2.5-mile Elysian Valley River Recreation Zone.
Because river water is part of an open environment, conditions can change quickly. That is where LASAN’s scientific teams step in. Every week, our staff visits three separate testing sites within each recreation zone - checking the water at the beginning, middle, and end of the trails. We test these samples in our laboratories for E. coli bacteria, calculating the Most Probable Number (MPN) of bacteria per 100 milliliters (mL). We then compare these figures against strict State of California health standards to determine if the river is safe for your next neighborhood outing.
River Safety Status
The live-updating tables below show current E. coli bacteria concentrations and the safety status of each monitoring station.
How to Read the Statuses:
- ● OPEN (Green): Bacteria levels are within safe, state-established limits for recreation.
- ● OPEN - CAUTION (Yellow): Elevated bacteria levels. Use extra caution, especially if you have open cuts or a compromised immune system.
- ● CLOSED / UNSAFE (Red / Flashing Red): High bacteria levels or hazard conditions. Water contact is not recommended.
Note: Tables update automatically as water quality samples are processed. If you are viewing on a mobile device, swipe horizontally on the tables to view all monitoring stations.
Tips for a Safe, Fun Visit
You can enjoy the river while protecting your health and our local wildlife by practicing good watershed stewardship. Keep these neighborly tips in mind:
- Give it a break after rain: Avoid all contact with the river water during rainstorms and for at least 72 hours after the rain stops.
- Protect open cuts: Do not enter the water if you have open wounds, scrapes, or a compromised immune system.
- Wash up after your trip: Always wash your hands or rinse off after touching river water, especially before eating.
- Scoop the poop: Clean up after your pets! Fecal waste washes off our neighborhood lawns, down storm drains, and directly into the river, which spikes bacteria levels.
- Pack out your trash: Use public trash cans for diapers, food wrappers, and pet plastic bags so they don’t pollute native animal habitats.