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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Fecal Matters: A no-contact advisory issued for Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, Snohomish County
Snohomish Health District issued a no-contact advisory at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.
Fecal Matters: 10 beaches in Puget Sound under no-contact advisory
A large number of beaches in the Puget Sound region have high levels of fecal bacteria causing the water to be unsafe for swimming.
Fecal Matters: Health advisory issued for Dyes Inlet and Port Washington Narrows due to sewage overflow, Kitsap County
Health advisory issued for Dyes Inlet and Port Washington Narrows due to sewage overflow, Kitsap County.
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.
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.
Fecal Matters: Sunnyside Beach Park and Chambers Creek Regional Park beaches are CLOSED to water contact due to a sewage spill, Pierce County
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued closures at Sunnyside Beach Park and Chambers Creek Regional Park beaches due to a sewage spill.
Poop and beaches don’t mix
Beach season has begun and we're out sampling to ensure your safety.
Fecal Matters: BEACH Program Update – No contact advisory lifted at eight beaches, two remain under advisory.
July 8, 2021. Routine sampling this week revealed that 8 beaches had lower levels of bacteria and the advisories were lifted. Two beaches remain under advisory and are unsafe for water contact.
Fecal Matters: Saltwater State Park is Closed to Water Recreation, King County
Public Health Seattle & King County issued a closure at Saltwater State Park in King County.
Fecal Matters: Health advisory issued for Wing Point Area due to sewage spill, Kitsap County
A health advisory issued for Wing Point Area due to sewage spill in Kitsap County