10 beaches closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria

Four counties in western Washington are dealing with beach closures due to high levels of fecal bacteria.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, there are 10 beaches that are under a no-contact advisory in Jefferson, King, Mason and Thurston counties.

“A large number of beaches in the Puget Sound region have high levels of fecal bacteria causing the water to be unsafe for swimming and water contact,” the released stated.

The high levels of bacteria were detected while routine sampling of the waters was being conducted.

Below is a list of the following beaches that are closed:

Jefferson County

Irondale Beach Park

Point Whitney Tidelands

King County

Saltwater State Park

Redondo County Park

Des Moines Beach Park

Carkeek Park

Mason County

Potlatch State Park

Twanoh State Park

Belfair State Park

Thurston County

Burfoot County Park

The Department of Ecology said the closure at Des Moines Beach Park was originally caused by a sewage spill.

And although the closure was lifted at the beach because officials “determined that wastewater from the Midway treatment plant does not have high bacteria levels,” the bacteria levels were still elevated, officials said.

According to the Department of Ecology, the heat wave in the Pacific Northwest is likely the reason behind the high bacteria levels.

“The heat wave acted like an incubator for bacteria, creating ideal conditions for rapid bacteria growth,” according to Laura Hermanson, the Ecology’s BEACH program manager.

When people come in contact with high bacteria levels, they can possibly get sick, causing health issues from gastroenteritis, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever, to skin rashes and upper respiratory infections.

“We’re seeing very high levels of bacteria at multiple beaches and we want people to check our water quality beach map before heading out this holiday weekend,” said Hermanson.

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