On August 14, 2013, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a beach closure at Dash Point Park in Tacoma, WA. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria counts in the water. From the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: "
People should not wade, swim, water ski or skim board, or engage in any activities that would expose bare skin to water or risk ingesting water. Fisherman may wear waders, and with thorough washing, fish caught at the park are still safe for eating after cooking. It's also important that fisherman thoroughly wash all equipment after exposure to the water."
The closure will remain in place until follow up sampling indicates the threat is gone.
Dash Point Park is a Metro Parks Tacoma facility west of the Pierce-King County line, it is a different site than Dash Point State Park in King County.
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.
Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.
Christopher Clinton is the interim BEACH Program Manager and is available at christopher.clinton@ecy.wa.gov for questions.
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