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Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.
Water Contact Advisories
Water Pollution Identification & Correction
Shellfish Safety
Shellfish Harvesting Advisories
Swimming Beach Monitoring
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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.
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.
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.
Read the 2024 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Current Advisories
Active swimming beach, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and sewage spill advisories are listed below. For shellfish advisories, see our shellfish safety page.
Sewage Spill Advisory
Location:
Portion of Liberty Bay/Keyport shoreline
Start Date:
April 30, 2025
Status:
Active
Affected area: Liberty Bay and Keyport shoreline from Lions Park in Poulsbo to the end of Sandy Hook Road, and from the end of Nordic Cove Lane to the end of Templar Lane. See advisory post for full details and a map.
Warning signs will be posted at public access points.
No-Contact Advisory: A no-contact advisory is in effect through May 7.
During a no-contact advisory, avoid contact with water in the affected area. We recommend against swimming, wading, or types of water recreation that could cause water to be swallowed or get into the 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.
For more information, visit kitsappublichealth.org/beaches.
Shellfish Harvesting Closure: A shellfish harvesting advisory is in effect through May 21.
The public is advised to not harvest shellfish in the affected area during this closure period. All existing shellfish advisories remain in effect. Go to doh.wa.gov/shellfish for details.
Swimmer's Itch
Location:
All Lakes
Start Date:
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.
This list displays water contact advisories that were removed (expired) in the current calendar year. These advisories are no longer in effect. Check the list above for active advisories.
Shellfish advisories & safety
What is a no-contact advisory?
Can I get sick if I play or swim in the water?
Can my pet get sick if it plays or swims in the water?
Is it safe to boat, kayak, or canoe in affected areas?
What should I do if I choose to boat, kayak or canoe?
Can I eat shellfish collected from the areas included in the advisory?
Will I get in trouble if I swim in an affected area during the advisory?
Is the smell at low tide caused by the sewer spill?
How long will the no-contact advisory be in effect?
Resources
Learn more about how we work year-round to identify and correct water pollution
Washington Dept. of Health: Recreational Water Illnesses Information
Department of Ecology: BEACH Program
Stay Informed: Subscribe to our water quality advisory text alert or email notifications. Follow us on Facebook!
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