City of Escondido declares local emergency to address public health risks: this is why

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Officials with the City of Escondido declared a local emergency Saturday in response to concerning water contamination in Escondido Creek, near the Harmony Grove area.

According to a news release from the city, recent water quality tests have revealed dangerous bacteria levels linked to encampments in the region, prompting local officials to take action to protect public health and the environment.

A local emergency proclamation allows the city to deploy critical measures to address the contamination and mitigate risks in the creek bed area. It authorizes city staff to move quickly to safeguard both residents and natural resources in the affected area.

Initial water tests have shown troubling results, with bacterial populations significantly above acceptable health standards. Specifically, Coliform bacteria levels were found to be two to three times higher than generally acceptable levels for safe human contact, while Enterococcus bacteria levels were found to be seven to 14 times higher. In some locations near encampments, Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeded the acceptable limit by more than 23 times, city officials explained.

Coliform and Enterococcus bacteria are commonly used as "indicator" bacteria, meaning their presence points to the overall bacterial contamination in the water. These elevated bacteria levels, combined with the presence of trash and human waste, indicate both environmental harm to the waterway and dangerous living conditions for individuals in the area.

To address the situation, city officials said they are taking immediate action. Fencing will be installed around the contaminated area to prevent further damage and contamination. Additionally, invasive vegetation and debris will be cleared to help restore the environmental health of the creek. A comprehensive security plan is also being developed and a second phase of cleanup is planned once the fencing is in place.

City officials have emphasized that this is not an overnight process. “While you will see progress, ratifying the emergency order, securing necessary resources and connecting people with support services are essential first steps before fencing or other remediation efforts can begin," said Deputy City Manager Chris McKinney.

To support those affected by the encampments, the city is collaborating with several local non-profits, healthcare providers and community organizations, including Turn Behavioral Health Services, North Inland Mental Health Center, Serenity House, Interfaith Community Services, and the YMCA Transitional Aged Youth Services. Additionally, the Church of God in Escondido will serve as a staging area for outreach and support services during the cleanup process.

The city is also working to ensure that residents and businesses in the affected area are notified in advance of the ongoing efforts. "We understand the sensitivity of this issue, especially during the holiday season," said City Manager Sean McGlynn. "Our goal is to balance urgent environmental, public health and safety needs with empathy for those impacted by these actions."

To further address the crisis, the city will hold a special City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. to ratify the proclamation of local emergency and request approval to allocate $4 million from the city's reserves to address the environmental and public health risks.

Officials say the city is committed to providing regular updates to the community to ensure transparency and maintain open communication as the cleanup process continues.