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: 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: How'd your beach do in 2015?

Curious to see how your favorite beach fared for healthy swimming last year? See how the 2015 swimming season stacked up. In the BEACH Program 2015 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.

View the BEACH Program 2015 Annual 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 result 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.

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 and 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 listserv. Contact BEACH program manager Debby Sargeant with questions.

Fecal Matters: 2016 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 2016 list of beaches that will be tested can be found here: 

2016 draft beach list

Testing will occur weekly or bi-weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The program is accepting public comments about the proposed beach list until May 1, 2016.

Send your comments to debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov, or call (360) 407-6139.

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 listserv. The BEACH Program Manager Debby Sargeant is available for questions.

Fecal Matters: Swimming advisory for beaches along Fjord Drive and Poulsbo Marina, Poulsbo, Kitsap County

BEACH Program Update

On March 12, 2015 Kitsap Public Health District issued a no contact advisory for the saltwater beaches along Fjord Drive and within the Poulsbo Marina.  The advisory was issued due to a small sewage spill in this area.  The cause and volume of the spill have been investigated.  The advisory will remain in place until Sunday, March 15, 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 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 Advisory for Hollywood Beach, Port Angeles Harbor, Clallam County

BEACH Program Update

On January 6, 2015, a seven day swimming advisory was issued for beaches in Port Angeles Harbor, including Hollywood beach.  Due to heavy rains the past several days there was a large volume combined sewer overflow discharge to the harbor.  Clallam County sampled Hollywood beach for bacteria today and results will be available late tomorrow afternoon.  The advisory is in effect until water samples show water is clean.

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 debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory issued for Bayview State Park beach, Skagit County, WA.

BEACH Program Update

A no contact advisory was issued for Bayview State Park beach on June 20, 2014.  The advisory was issued due to high fecal bacteria levels at the beach.  Skagit County Beachwatchers will resample this beach next week. This advisory will be in effect 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 Facebook, checking beach status on Coastal Atlas, or joining our listserv. Debby Sargeant is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Closure Removed for Chambers Creek Regional Park beach in Pierce County, WA.

On January 27, 2014, Pierce County Health Department lifted the swimming advisory for Chambers Creek Regional Park beach in Pierce County.  Water quality sampling results show that conditions are below any level of concern.  

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: Water Contact Advisory at Hollywood Beach, Port Angeles, WA

BEACH Program Update

Yesterday, October 4, 2013, Clallam County Health & Human Services issued a water contact advisory at Hollywood Beach and all of Port Angeles Harbor. The public is warned to avoid water contact for the next seven days after heavy rains forced eight million gallons of stormwater and raw sewage to discharge into the harbor through a combined sewer overflow.

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 or joining our listserv. Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Beach closed at Dash Point Park in Tacoma, WA

BEACH Program Update

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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Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory for Lent Landing and Lions Field, Bremerton, WA

BEACH Program Update

On August 6, 2013, Kitsap Public Health District issued a no contact advisory for the beaches at Lent Landing and Lions Field near Bremerton, WA. The advisory was issued due to a sewage spill near the two beaches. The advisory will be in place through August 9, 2013

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. Christopher Clinton is the interim BEACH Program Manager and is available at christopher.clinton@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory for Cummings Park and Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA

BEACH Program Update

On May 24, 2013, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a no contact advisory for Cummings Park and Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way in Tacoma, WA. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria counts in the water. The public is warned not to make contact with the water until further notice. The Health Department will continue to collect water samples weekly and is investigating the pollution source.

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 360-407-6154 or christopher.clinton@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory for Irondale Beach, Jefferson County, WA

BEACH Program Update

On May 1, 2013, Jefferson County Public Health issued a no contact advisory for Irondale Beach near Port Hadlock, WA. The advisory was issued due to high E. coli bacteria counts in a creek which empties onto 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 Facebook, checking beach status on Coastal Atlas, or joining our listserv. Christopher Clinton is the interim BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6154 or christopher.clinton@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Beach Closure at Lincoln Park in Seattle

BEACH Program Update

On March 2, 2013, the Seattle-King County Public Health District issued a beach closure at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. The closure was issued due to an overflow at a nearby sewer pump station. Crews responded immediately to stop the leak. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water. The utility is following up with water quality sampling.

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 360-407-6154 or christopher.clinton@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles, WA

BEACH Program Update

Today, December 4, 2012, Clallam County Health & Human Services issued a 7-day swimming advisory at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles, WA. The advisory is issued because of a combined sewer overflow that discharges near 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 Facebook or joining our listserv. Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park Snohomish County

BEACH Program Update

Today, July 20, 2012, the BEACH Program issued a swimming advisory at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo, WA. The advisory is issued because of elevated bacteria levels in the marine water and in a nearby stormwater discharge outfall.

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. Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory at Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, WA

BEACH Program Update

On July 12, 2012, the Whatcom County Health Department issued a swimming advisory at Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, WA. The advisory was issued due to elevated bacteria results in water samples collected at 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 Facebook, checking beach status on Coastal Atlas, or joining our listserv. Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory Issued at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, Snohomish County

BEACH Program Update

Today, the BEACH Program issued a swimming advisory at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park in Snohomish County. The swimming advisory was issued based on elevated bacteria in the marine water and a nearby stormwater outfall.

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. Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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