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Fecal Matters

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our scientists and BEACH partners sample public beaches on marine waters for bacterial contamination. We collect water samples from high-use beaches to test for fecal bacteria and let the public know when beaches are closed due to health concerns.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our scientists and BEACH partners sample public beaches on marine waters for bacterial contamination. We collect water samples from high-use beaches to test for fecal bacteria and let the public know when beaches are closed due to health concerns.

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Going to the beach this summer? Check our safe swimming map to plan your trip

We are sampling 46 beaches for fecal bacteria contamination. Check the status of marine beaches before planning your next beach trip.

What You Can Do
The scoop on monitoring for marine beach poop

View our safe swimming map for summer beach advisories and closures. Help us keep poop off the beach.

Alerts
Looking back and looking forward on our beach monitoring season

Every summer we monitor beaches for fecal bacteria to protect beachgoers. Read our 2023 BEACH Program report and send us feedback on the proposed list of beaches that will be monitored in 2024.

What You Can Do
Headed to the beach? Check for poop before you stick in your feet!
Check our safe swimming map for beach advisories and closures. Help us keep poop off the beach.
What You Can Do
Fecal Matters: The 2022 BEACH report is in
Check out the new BEACH Annual Report to see how your beach fared in 2022.
Science
Fecal Matters: Cormorant Cove and Richey Viewpoint beaches are now open for water recreation, King County
On Jan. 17, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) lifted the closure at both Cormorant Cove and Richey Viewpoint beaches in King County.
Alerts
Fecal Matters: UPDATE — Cormorant Cove beach closure now includes Richey Viewpoint Park, King County
On Jan. 12, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities posted additional closure signs at Richey Viewpoint Park in King County. The park is located just north of Cormorant Cove beach, also under closure.
Alerts
Fecal Matters: Cormorant Cove beach is closed to water recreation, King County
On Jan. 10, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities issued a closure at Cormorant Cove beach in King County.
Alerts
Fecal Matters: Health risks after heavy rainfall
Beachgoers need to be aware of the potential health risks associated with large rains and take precaution when visiting a beach.
What You Can Do
Fecal Matters: Double Bluff Park now open for water recreation, Island County
On August 26, 2022, Island County Public Health lifted the advisory at Double Bluff County Park in Island County.
Alerts

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