Fecal Matters: Water contact advisory issued for Dakwas Beach Park, Clallam County

The Makah Beach Program issued a water contact health advisory for Dakwas Park
Beach in Clallam County. This advisory was issued on Sept. 18 due to high levels of fecal bacteria in the water. The public is advised to avoid 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: 2019 beach list open for public comment

Make a comment on this year's beach list!

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

The proposed list of beaches that will be tested in 2019 can be found here: 2019 draft beach list

Testing will occur weekly or bi-weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We are accepting public comments through May 3, 2019, on the proposed list of beaches to be tested.

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: 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: 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.

Comment now on the City of Elma’s proposed shoreline plan

The City of Elma’s proposed update to its Shoreline Master Program is ready for public comment now through September 8. The proposal would replace the city’s 1974 Shoreline Plan, and address uses and development along a mile of Cloquallum Creek.

What’s a Shoreline Master Program?

Shoreline Master Programs are local plans developed by cities and counties to manage shoreline use. These local programs protect natural resources for future generations, provide for public access to public waters and shores and plan for shoreline uses and development.

City of Elma’s shoreline plan

The City of Elma’s new shoreline plan establishes vegetative buffers to accommodate existing development, reflects the city’s underlying zoning and references a restoration plan that identifies potential future projects. Read the proposed SMP and several background documents here.

Paper copies of the proposal are available by contacting the City of Elma or Ecology Regional Planner Kim Van Zwalenburg at the address below.

All comments should be sent to Kim Van Zwalenburg. There are three ways to do it:

By email:  Kim.VanZwalenburg@ecy.wa.gov

By mail:    Southwest Regional Office
                  PO Box 47775
                  Olympia, WA 98504-7600

In person:  300 Desmond Drive
                   Lacey, WA 98503

The public can also call 360-407-6520 to comment and ask questions.

Ecology must receive comments no later than 5 p.m. on September 8, 2016.

Comment summaries and the city’s response will be posted to the City of Elma Shoreline Master Program page on Ecology’s website.

By: Dave Bennett, Soutwest Region communications manager

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: 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: 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: 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: Port Ludlow Bay CLOSED to Water Contact Recreation, Jefferson County

BEACH Program Update


On March 11, 2016 Jefferson County Public Health issued a "No Contact" health advisory for Port Ludlow Bay.  The public is advised to avoid any contact with the water in Port Ludlow Bay.  The closure is due to an obstructed storm water culvert which diverted storm water and treated sewage sludge to the beach.   The problem was corrected and the closure will be lifted when bacteria results 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 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: Swim Advisory Issued for Chambers Creek Regional Park beach, Pierce County

BEACH Program Update


On December 9, 2015, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department advised that people keep out of the water today at Chambers Creek Regional Park beach.  There was a spill last night of treated but only partially disinfected sewage.  The advisory will be lifted tomorrow morning, December 10, 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: Swimming Advisory Issued for Seahurst Park beach in King County

BEACH Program Update

On September 3, 2015, a swimming advisory was issued for Seahurst Park beach in King County.  The advisory was issued due to high bacteria levels in the water.  Seattle-King County Health Department staff will be resampling the beach next week.

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: Bayview State Park Open for Swimming, Skagit County

BEACH Program Update

Bayview State Park in Skagit County was re-opened to swimming on July 22, 2015.  Fecal bacteria sampling results showed acceptable water quality for water contact recreation.  Swimming closure signs were previously posted on July 15, 2015 due to high bacteria levels in the water.

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: Twanoh State Park Open for Swimming, Mason County

BEACH Program Update

Twanoh State Park in Mason County is reopened for water contact recreation.  Recent sample results show this beach is now 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 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: 2014 marine swimming beach results are in!

Curious to see how your favorite beach fared for healthy swimming last year? See how the 2014 swimming season stacked up. In the BEACH Program 2014 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 2014 Annual Report

See the good, the best, and the "poopy" marine swimming beaches for 2014. 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. Learn how you can help keep your beach clean on our website.

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. You can contact the BEACH program manager Debby Sargeant with questions.