Jefferson County BEACH report

Keeping beaches safe

The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health (BEACH) Program ensures that marine water is safe to swim and play in and informs the public if water doesn't meet swimming standards. Sampling takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this time, you can check out current water quality conditions on the swimming map.  

Three beaches were sampled weekly in Jefferson County during the 2024 season. Port Townsend Marine Science Center staff and volunteers sampled Fort Worden State Park. The remaining beaches were sampled by Jefferson County Public Health.

See details on each beach below.

Data summary: Bacteria results compared to standards

The chart below summarizes the bacteria levels at Jefferson County beaches in relation to the EPA swimming standard or saltwater swimming criteria. Beaches are considered unsafe for swimming when the geometric mean of enterococcus/100 mL of water is greater than or equal to 30 and the statistical threshold value of enterococcus/100 mL is greater than or equal to 110. We issue a public swimming advisory when enterococcus levels exceed 104 per 100 mL of water. 

Table: Calculated geometric mean and statistical threshold value at Jefferson County beaches (in enterococcus per 100 mL) for 2024.