Kirkland Beach Closed Due To Fecal Bacteria In Lake Washington

KIRKLAND, WA - City officials are warning residents to keep themselves and pets out of the water at Juanita Beach Park due to the discovery of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in Lake Washington near the park. Visitors to the park will see signs posted about the bacteria levels until the water is deemed safe.

Here's more from the city of Kirkland:

Due to the discovery of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in Lake Washington at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, humans and animals should not go in the water. Advisory signs warning about contaminated water have been posted at the beach, which is located at 9703 NE Juanita Drive.

Depending on weekend weather, the City of Kirkland will be conducting follow-up testing as early as Monday, August 14, 2017, to determine the source and levels of the bacteria. The beach will be closed for at least a week as testing is done to determine the source of the bacteria. The beach at Juanita Beach Park will reopen when levels of the bacteria are back in a safe range.

Fecal coliform bacteria is an indicator of sewage pollution and is monitored weekly by the Seattle-King County Public Health Department. Most bacteria present are typically assumed to be of non-human origin. Many animals such as dogs and waterfowl can contribute to this form of bacteria in the water.

For more information, visit the King County website and search for “fecal coliform bacteria.”

Image via city of Kirkland