Fecal Matters: High Fecal Bacteria Results at Five Beaches

BEACH Program Update

Marine water samples collected on Monday from the beaches listed below showed high levels of Enterococcus, a type of fecal bacteria. The beaches will be resampled tomorrow. At this time, the beaches will remain open for swimming.

• Mukilteo Lighthouse Park - Snohomish County
  
• Silverdale Waterfront Park - Kitsap County
  
• Illahee State Park - Kitsap County
  
• Evergreen Park, Bremerton - Kitsap County
  
• Pomeroy Park, Manchester - Kitsap County

We often observe high bacteria results following rain events (especially after a dry period). In general, the BEACH Program recommends avoiding contact with marine waters 48 hours following rainfall.Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Visit the BEACH web site to find the latest results for this and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

Jessica Bennett is the BEACH Program Data Manager. She is available at 360-407-6159 or jessica.bennett@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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