Friday, August 30, 2013

Fecal Matters: Combined Sewer Overflow Impacts Port Washington Narrows, Kitsap County

BEACH Program Update

On August 29, 2013, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) discharged into Port Washington Narrows in Bremerton, WA.  CSOs are a diluted mixture of untreated sewage and storm water.  As a result, the Kitsap Public Health District issued a no contact advisory at Evergreen Park, Lions Field, and Lents Landing through September 1, 2013.  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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