Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory at Annapolis Public Beach, Kitsap County

BEACH Program Update

On November 19, 2012, the Kitsap County Health District issued a no-contact advisory at Annapolis Public Beach near Annapolis, WA due to a wastewater discharge that received primary treatment and disinfection, but bypassed secondary treatment. The wastewater treatment plant experienced a large amount of inflow from the recent rain resulting in this discharge. Kitsap Health District staff posted warning signs at public beaches and public access points in the area. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water and not harvest shellfish.

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.

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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