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May 21, 2024
Sign up to receive health advisories for swimming beaches and lakes by email or text or check for current advisories at kitspapublichealth.org/beaches.
We're all for getting outdoors, but it's important to be aware of potential health risks when you head out to your favorite swimming beach or lake.
The Kitsap Public Health District's Water Pollution Identification & Correction (PIC) team visits popular swimming destinations to check for fecal bacteria, toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and other hazards that can make people sick.
When there are high levels of fecal bacteria or blooms of cyanobacteria present, we issue advisories or warnings to let the public know to stay out of the water. That's why it's vital to make sure you are signed up to receive our email or text alerts and to watch for warning signs posted at local beaches.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
📱 Subscribe to beach and lake advisories here or go to kitsappublichealth.org/subscribe.
⚠️ Check for current advisories at kitsappublichealth.org/beaches
🏊 See a list of swimming beaches monitored by Kitsap Public Health
❗ Report health concerns at kitsappublichealth.org/concern
FECAL BACTERIA AT SWIMMING BEACHES
When people get sick after swimming, fecal pollution — poop in the water — is often the cause. Fecal pollution can carry harmful bacteria (such as E. coli), viruses (such as norovirus), and parasites (such as giardia), that make people sick.
To monitor for fecal pollution, our PIC team collects water samples at swimming
areas throughout the county from late May through September. Popular swimming areas, including Horseshoe Lake, Island Lake, Kitsap Lake, Long Lake, and Wildcat Lake, and several marine (saltwater beaches) are checked every week. Other swimming areas are checked monthly. See a list of beaches we monitor.
Water samples collected from lakes are tested for E. coli bacteria, while samples collected from marine beaches are tested for Enterococci bacteria. Both are indicators that there is fecal pollution in the water and that other harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites could be present.
We close swimming areas and issue a "no-contact" advisory when bacteria levels exceed a standard set by the state. During a no-contact advisory, we ask people to not wade or swim in the water, and to avoid other activities that could get water into their mouth or eyes. If you do touch the water, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND PEOPLE AROUND YOU
Fecal pollution can come from people, pets, or wildlife. To protect yourself and help prevent illnesses at swimming areas:
Avoid overly crowded swimming areas
Avoid areas with algae, flocks of ducks, and other animals
Do not swim if are sick or have recently been sick, especially if you have had diarrhea
Avoid getting water into your mouth
Do not let children who are not toilet trained in the water or use swim diapers
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing diapers
After swimming, shower and vigorously towel dry
See your brochure for more tips.
CYANOBACTERIA IN LAKES
Above: Recent blooms at local lakes. Below: A cyanbobacteria sample from Kitsap Lake viewed under a microscope.
Cyanobacteria — sometimes called blue-green algae — are tiny organisms found in all types of water. In warm, nutrient-rich water, cyanobacteria grow quickly and sometimes create colorful blooms.
Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. At high levels, these "cyanotoxins" can kill animals. This is why we warn people to stay out of the water and keep pets out of the water when blooms are present.
In addition to our regular summer swimming beach monitoring program, the PIC team checks for cyanobacteria blooms at lakes from spring through fall and responds to reports of blooms year-round.
When a bloom is spotted, our environmental health specialists collect water samples and use a microscope to look for types of cyanobacteria that are known to produce toxins. If those species appear to be present, we issue a warning for the entire lake.
Samples are also sent to a laboratory to confirm that toxin-producing cyanobacteria are present and determine whether the cyanobacteria were producing toxins at the time that sample was taken.
We already issued a warning for a cyanobacteria bloom at Kitsap Lake in late April. This was earlier in the season than we typically see blooms. Fortunately, the bloom died off after a few weeks and we were able to lift the warning.
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS AND BLOOMS IN THE WATER
If you live by a lake or visit lakes, be sure to watch for warning signs posted at public access points and be on the lookout for blooms in the water. Stay out of the water and contact Kitsap Public Health if you notice:
A bloom in the water. Blooms can make a lake look green and cloudy. Green, blue, or white scum, foam, or matting may form on the water’s surface, and may look like floating paint.
Large numbers of dead fish.
A sudden or unexplained sickness or death of an animal that has just drank or swam in lake water.
If someone enters the water and experiences skin rash, dizziness or weakness, respiratory allergy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Call us at 360-728-2235 or submit a report at kitsappublichealth.org/concern.
Live near the water? You can help improve water quality and prevent blooms by using natural yard care products and techniques.
Our PIC team collects shellfish samples year-round to monitor for dangerous biotoxins. If you plan to harvest shellfish, sign up to receive our shellfish harvesting advisories by email or text and always check the state shellfish safety map before heading to the beach.
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | (360) 728-2235 - main
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