Fecal Matters: Edmonds Underwater Park closed to swimming, Edmonds, Snohomish County

Aug. 1 update: Edmonds Underwater Park is open for water recreation. Read more on the Fecal Matters blog: http://bit.ly/k4WYKA

July 29 update: On July 28, 2016, Edmonds Underwater Park beach was closed to swimming due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water. We've had several questions about this beach closure. We'd like to keep you up to date.

Is this beach closure for Brackett's landing?

Yes, this closure is for Brackett’s Landing North, also known as the Edmonds Underwater Park. The area with high bacteria counts is north of the rock jetty.

• Learn tips to avoid swimming-related illness.

Does this affect other Edmonds beaches, such as Marina Beach?

This beach closure is only for the Edmonds Underwater Park next to the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Terminal, also known as Brackett’s Landing. Edmonds Marina Beach is good for swimming, results show low bacteria levels.

• Check the status of your local beach on our beach map.

What is the cause/origin?

There are several potential ways for a beach to develop high levels of fecal bacteria. We don’t know the cause yet. Edmonds Public works will be sampling the beach today and this weekend to continue to check bacteria results.  

Our BEACH Program staff will be out on the beach Tuesday morning to do a shoreline survey and determine possible sources to these two beach sites. Possible sources for this beach include the accumulation of beach wrack (dead and decaying seaweed) that has piled up on the north side of the beach, as well as pet feces.

• You can help! Learn how to keep your beach clean and prevent swimming closures.

The beach will be retested over the weekend and on Monday. The earliest the Edmonds Underwater Park will re-open for swimming is Tuesday, Aug. 2. In the meantime, the nearby Marina Beach is clean and open for swimming.

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On July 28, 2016, Edmonds Underwater Park beach was closed to swimming due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water.  The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water until water sampling shows that water is clean and safe for swimming.

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, our BEACH Program Manager, is available at 360-407-6139 or debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov for questions.