Snohomish County annual BEACH report
Washington State University (WSU) Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers sampled six beaches in Snohomish County weekly or biweekly during the 2023 season. An additional beach, Kayak Point, was sampled weekly by Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians staff.
- Edmonds Marina Beach Park
- Edmonds Underwater Park
- Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
- Picnic Point County Park
- Howarth Park
- Jetty Island
- Kayak Point County Park
Keeping beaches safe
The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health, or 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.
Six beaches in Snohomish County were monitored in 2023 by WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers. Beaches were monitored weekly, with the exception of Jetty Island, which was sampled five times. An additional beach, Kayak Point, was sampled weekly by Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians staff.
See details on each beach below.
Data summary: Bacteria results compared to standards
The chart below summarizes the bacteria levels at Snohomish 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 Snohomish County beaches (in enterococcus per 100 mL) for 2023.
| Beach | GM | STV |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonds Marina Beach Park | 17 | 58 |
| Edmonds Underwater Park | 10 | 14 |
| Mukilteo Lighthouse Park | 14 | 34 |
| Picnic Point County Park | 15 | 42 |
| Howarth Park | 11 | 15 |
| Jetty Island | 10 | 13 |
| Kayak Point County Park | 9 | 9 |
Contact information
Contact BEACH: Reach BEACH staff, sign up for our email list, or follow us on social media platforms.