Fecal Matters: 2018 beach list available for your review

The state’s BEACH Program will soon begin testing the state’s most popular saltwater beaches for bacteria to help people avoid getting sick from playing in the water. The program is implemented by local health agencies, tribal nations, non-profits, and coordinated volunteers groups.

The proposed 2018 list of beaches that will be tested can be found here:

2018 draft beach list

Testing will occur weekly or bi-weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We are accepting public comments on the proposed list of beaches to be tested until May 1, 2018.

Send your comments to julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6154.

More about BEACH

Learn about program updates, education, high bacteria counts, and beach closures by keeping up with us on Facebook, checking the beach closure map on Coastal Atlas, subscribing to our Fecal Matters RSS feed, or joining our email listserv. Contact BEACH Program Manager Julianne Ruffner with questions.

Fecal Matters: How'd your beach do in 2017?

Curious to see how your favorite beach fared for healthy swimming last year? See how the 2017 swimming season stacked up. In the BEACH Program 2017 Annual Report you'll find the top swimming beaches for water quality, beach water quality by county, and beaches that did not meet swimming standards.

Click to View the 2017 Annual BEACH Report

See the good, the best, and the "poopy" marine swimming beaches for last year. Did your favorite beach make the list for the top swimming beaches? Or, did it make the list of beaches that were closed to recreation due to high levels of fecal bacteria?

Why does it matter?

Anyone who uses marine beaches for recreational purposes such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing, or kayaking can be exposed to illness associated with water contaminated by sewage.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can results in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

How does poop get in the water? 

Fecal bacteria get into the water in a number of ways. Some of it is natural, and a small amount of fecal bacteria does not pose a threat to public health.

Water at a beach can rise to an unhealthy level for many reasons. These include septic tanks that are not properly maintained, large amounts of sewage discharged from sewers overflowing during heavy rain or recreational boaters, wild animals congregating due to people feeding them, dogs pooping on beaches, used diapers being left on the beach, and others.

Click to learn how you can help keep your beach clean for swimming

More about BEACH

The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication, and Health program, nicknamed BEACH for short, monitors marine beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This program is a joint effort with the Washington State Department of Health, county and local agencies, tribal nations, and volunteers.

The BEACH program helps keep swimmers healthy on the coast and across Puget Sound by testing marine beaches for fecal bacteria and issuing public beach closure notices if the results show the water might pose a health risk. BEACH does not test freshwater beaches located on rivers and lakes.

Click here to see if your beach is open.
Remember, many beaches are only monitored Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by subscribing to our Fecal Matters RSS feed, checking the beach closure map on Coastal Atlas, or joining our email listserv. Contact BEACH program manager Julianne Ruffner with questions.

Fecal Matters: Health Risks After Heavy Rainfall

BEACH Program Update

This summer in Washington we experienced record breaking temperatures and days without rain. Hot and dry weather makes for perfect beach days, but the rainy season is upon us. After a heavy rainfall, bacteria levels in the water could potentially rise. When the sun returns and beachgoers flock back to the beach, be aware of the potential health risks associated with large rains.

Water from heavy rainfall runs off the land and into nearby lakes, rivers, and saltwater beaches. This runoff can carry pollutants like fecal bacteria. Waste from pets and wildlife can easily be washed downstream. Heavy rains can also cause sewage systems to overflow and discharge untreated sewage into nearby water bodies. 

Protect yourself and your family from getting sick by reducing contact with fresh or marine water after a heavy rain. Avoid water recreation for 24 hours after heavy rainfall, especially in areas where you see pipes or streams that drain directly to the beach. 

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.

Fecal Matters: Freeland County Park CLOSED to Swimming, Island County

BEACH Program Update

On August 10, 2017, Island County Public Health issued a no water contact health advisory for Freeland County Park beach. This closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water. This beach will be re-sampled next week to see if bacterial levels have dropped. The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water until further notice.

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.

Julianne Ruffner, our BEACH Program Manager, is available at 360-407-6154 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: Bay View State Park is OPEN for Water Recreation, Skagit County

BEACH Program Update

June 7, 2017, Bay View State Park beach is re-opened to swimming and water contact recreation.  Recent water sampling showed that bacteria levels were low 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.

Julianne Ruffner, our BEACH Program Manager, is available at 360-407-6154 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: Dakwas Park Beach, Neah Bay is OPEN for water recreation, Makah Beach Program, Clallam County

BEACH Program Update

April 6, 2017, Dakwas Beach Park in Neah Bay is open for swimming and water contact recreation. Recent water sampling showed that bacteria levels were low 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.

Julianne Ruffner, our BEACH Program Manager, is available at 360-407-6154 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: 2017 beach list available for your review

The state’s BEACH Program will soon begin testing the state’s most popular saltwater beaches for bacteria to help people avoid getting sick from playing in the water. The program is implemented by local health agencies, tribal nations, university coordinators, non-profits, and volunteers.

The proposed 2017 list of beaches that will be tested can be found here:

2017 draft beach list

Testing will occur weekly or bi-weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We are accepting public comments on the proposed list of beaches to be tested until May 1, 2017.

Send your comments to julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6154.

More about BEACH

Learn about program updates, education, high bacteria counts, and beach closures by keeping up with us on Facebook, checking the beach closure map on Coastal Atlas, subscribing to our Fecal Matters RSS feed, or joining our email listserv. Contact BEACH Program Manager Julianne Ruffner with questions.

Fecal Matters: How'd your beach do in 2016?

Curious to see how your favorite beach fared for healthy swimming last year? See how the 2016 swimming season stacked up. In the BEACH Program 2016 Annual Report you'll find the top swimming beaches for water quality, beach water quality by county, and beaches that did not meet swimming standards.

Click to view the 2016 Annual BEACH Report

See the good, the best, and the "poopy" marine swimming beaches for last year. Did your favorite beach make the list for the top swimming beaches? Or, did it make the list of beaches that were closed to recreation due to high levels of fecal bacteria?

Why does it matter?

Anyone who uses marine beaches for recreational purposes such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing, or kayaking can be exposed to illness associated with water contaminated by sewage.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can results in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

How does poop get in the water? 

Fecal bacteria get into the water in a number of ways. Some of it is natural, and a small amount of fecal bacteria does not pose a threat to public health.

Water at a beach can rise to an unhealthy level for many reasons. These include septic tanks that are not properly maintained, large amounts of sewage discharged from sewers overflowing during heavy rain or recreational boaters, wild animals congregating due to people feeding them, dogs pooping on beaches, used diapers being left on the beach, and others.

Click to learn how you can help keep your beach clean for swimming.

More about BEACH

The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication, and Health program, nicknamed BEACH for short, monitors marine beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This program is a joint effort with the Washington State Department of Health, county and local agencies, tribal nations, and volunteers.

The BEACH program helps keep swimmers healthy on the coast and across Puget Sound by testing marine beaches for fecal bacteria and issuing public beach closure notices if the results show the water might pose a health risk. BEACH does not test freshwater beaches located on rivers and lakes.

Click the map to see if your beach is open.
Remember, many beaches are only monitored Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by subscribing to our Fecal Matters RSS feed, checking the beach closure map on Coastal Atlas, or joining our email listserv. Contact BEACH program manager Julianne Ruffner with questions.

Fecal Matters: Silverdale Waterfront Park OPEN for swimming, Kitsap County

BEACH Program Update

September 2, 2016, Silverdale Waterfront Park beach in Kitsap County reopened today for water recreation.  Water samples of the beach were clean and at levels healthy 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.

Visit the BEACH webpage to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julianne Ruffner is available at 360-488-4868 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: Freeland County Park beach CLOSED to swimming, Island County

BEACH Program Update

On September 1, 2016, Island County Public Health issued a "No Contact" health advisory for Freeland County Park beach. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water. The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water until further notice.

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 360-407-6775 or debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: Cline Spit beach re-opens for swimming, Clallam County

BEACH Program Update

Cline Spit beach in Clallam County re-opened today for water recreation.  Water samples of the beach were clean and at levels healthy 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.

Visit the BEACH webpage to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julianne Ruffner is available at 360-488-4868 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: North end of Dyes Inlet CLOSED to swimming, including Silverdale Waterfront Park, Kitsap County

BEACH Program Update

On August 29, 2016, Kitsap Public Health District issued a five day no-contact advisory for the north end of Dyes Inlet, including Silverdale Waterfront Park beach.  The no-contact advisory was issued due to a 1000 gallon sewage spill. The advisory will remain in effect until Friday, September 2. The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water in this area until then.

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.

Julianne Ruffner is available at 360-480-4868 or julianne.ruffner@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

Fecal Matters: Freeland County Park CLOSED to swimming, Island County

BEACH Program Update

On August 4, 2016, Island County Public Health issued a "No Contact" health advisory for Freeland County Park beach. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water. The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water until further notice.

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.

Fecal Matters: Edmonds Underwater Park OPEN for water recreation, Snohomish County

BEACH Program Update

August 1, 2016, Edmonds Underwater Park, also known as Bracketts Landing North, is re-opened to swimming and water contact recreation.  Recent water sampling showed that bacteria levels were low 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.

Visit the BEACH webpage to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches.

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.

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.

-- Original post --

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.

Fecal Matters: Freeland County Park CLOSED to swimming, Island County

BEACH Program Update

On July 21, 2016, Island County Public Health issued a "No Contact" health advisory for Freeland County Park beach. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria levels in the water. The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water until further notice.

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.

Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory Issued for Titlow Park Beach, Pierce County

BEACH Program Update

On July 1, 2016, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department issued a swim advisory for Titlow Park beach. The Health Department recommends people keep out of the water until 12:00 p.m. on July 2, 2016 due to a small sewage spill near the beach. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water until that time.

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 Facebook, checking beach status on Coastal Atlas, or joining our listserv. Debby Sargeant is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at dsar461@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swim Closure issued for Freeland County Park, Island County

BEACH Program Update

On June 9, 2016 Freeland County Park on Whidbey Island (Island County) was closed to swimming and water recreation. Freeland County Park has a permanent swim advisory due to moderately high bacteria levels in the summer.  The swim closure was issued due to high bacteria levels found in water samples. The public is to have no contact with the water until further notice.

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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Fecal Matters: Bayview State park OPEN for water recreation, Skagit County

BEACH Program Update

June 2, 2016 Bayview State park beach is re-opened to swimming and water contact recreation.  Recent water sampling showed that bacteria levels were low and safe for swimming. Swim closure signs were previously posted on May 27, 2016.

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 these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

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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Fecal Matters: Titlow Beach Re-opened for swimming, Pierce County

BEACH Program Update

June 1, 2016 Titlow Park beach is re-opened to swimming and water contact recreation.  Recent water sampling showed that bacteria levels were low and safe for swimming. Advisory signs were previously posted on May 27, 2016.

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 these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

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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