Fecal Matters: Recreational Water Contact Advisory Due to Extreme Rainfall and Sewage Spills

BEACH Program Update

The Washington BEACH Program is advising the public to avoid recreational water contact in Western Washington’s rivers, lakes, streams, Puget Sound, and the coast for 7 days. Extreme rainfall in most of Western Washington has overwhelmed many sewage districts resulting in sewage discharges to surface waters.

The BEACH Program strongly urges SCUBA divers, surfers, and all recreational beach users to avoid water contact for at least 7 days.

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.

For more information about staying safe at the beach, visit the BEACH Program website.

Jessica Archer is the BEACH Program Manager.She is available at 360-407-6543 or jessica.archer@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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