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an aerial view of Kitsap County with Liberty Bay and waterfront homes in the foreground and the Olympic Mountains in the background

Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Shellfish Harvesting Advisories

Water Pollution Identification & Correction

Shellfish Safety
Shellfish Harvesting Advisories
Swimming Beach Monitoring
Water Adivisories (1).png
Water Quality Advisories
Water Quality
Reports

The Kitsap Public Health District's Water Pollution Identification & Correction (PIC) program protects public health and prevents fecal pollution in Kitsap County surface waters. 

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Health District staff sample dozens of streams and swimming beaches across the county for fecal bacteria, an indicator of fecal pollution caused by human or animal waste. Fecal pollution can carry viruses and harmful bacteria that make people sick.

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We use water sampling results to notify the public of potential health risks, and to find and fix fecal pollution problems. This helps keep our streams, swimming beaches and shellfish beds safe and healthy for the public to enjoy.

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Read the 2022 Water Qualty Monitoring Report

The Kitsap Public Health District staff collect shellfish for testing at 12 locations during the summer and fall, and at nine locations year-round. Samples, usually mussels, are collected for and sent to the Washington State Department of Health lab, where they are tested for three marine biotoxins: PSP, DSP and ASP. Shorelines are closed to harvesting when toxin levels exceed safe levels. Shorelines are re-opened for harvesting once two consecutive samples are obtained and toxin levels are safe.



Shorelines are closed to harvesting when toxin levels exceed safe levels. Shorelines are re-opened for harvesting once two consecutive samples are obtained and toxin levels are safe.


Plan Ahead  


Anyone planning to harvest or consume local, recreationally-harvested shellfish must first:

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  1. Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:


  • Click HERE for a clickable shellfish safety map

  • Click HERE for a current list of marine biotoxin shellfish closures by county

  • Click HERE for water contact advisories and pollution-related shellfish closures

  • Call the Kitsap Public Health Shellfish Hotline: 1-800-2BE-WELL (1-800-223-9355)

  • Call the Statewide Shellfish Safety Hotline: 1-800-562-5632



2. Check the shellfish harvest seasons and licensing requirements:

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  • Click HERE for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website

  • Call the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline: 1-866-880-5431

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Additional Resources

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Sewage Spill Advisory

Location:

Kitsap Lake

Start Date:

November 17, 2024

Status:

Active


A no-contact advisory is in effect through Nov. 22 due to a sewage spill reported by Bremerton Public Works.


During a no-contact advisory, avoid contact with water in the affected area. We recommend against swimming, wading, or other types of water recreation that could cause you to swallow water or get water into your mouth, nose or eyes. Avoid direct skin contact with the water if possible and immediately wash with soap and clean water if you have exposure to the water.


Full advisory


Swimmer's Itch

Location:

All Lakes

Start Date:

September 23, 2024

Status:

Active

Swimmer's Itch (cercarial dermatitis) is caused by an allergic reaction to a parasite.


Swimmers should wear waterproof sunscreen and shower or vigorously towel-off immediately after swimming in a lake.

Sign up to get advisories by email or text

To see a list of all of the swimming beaches monitored by the Kitsap Public Health District, visit our Swimming Beach Monitoring Page. 

  • Test Lake

    Start Date and End Date:

    November 21, 2024

    November 22, 2024

    Status:

    Removed

Current Advisories

Active swimming beach, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and sewage spill advisories are listed below. For shellfish advisories, see our shellfish safety page. 

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