Tuesday, October 13, 2015

FECAL MATTERS: Port Ludlow CLOSED to Water Contact Recreation, Jefferson County

BEACH Program Update

On October 12, 2015 Jefferson County Public Health issued a "No Contact" health advisory for Port Ludlow Bay.  The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water in Port Ludlow Bay, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and harvesting of shellfish and seaweed.  The closure is due a sewage discharge at the Port Ludlow Treatment Plant.  Approximately 25,000 gallons of inadequately treated sewage was discharged.  The problem was corrected and the closure will be lifted on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

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.

Debby Sargeant is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6139 or debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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