Several beaches in Pierce, King counties temporarily close

SEATTLE - Several beaches have been closed in both Pierce and King counties in the last 24 hours.

Matthews Beach in Seattle was closed due to high levels of bacteria found in the water during a weekly test.

"I’m disappointed. I did not see that coming," said Anna Guardado, while visiting Matthews Beach.

"Makes sense we were wondering why it was so empty," said Lia Kitahata, visiting Matthews Beach. "There’s usually so many people here swimming too."

Public health officials have warned that people and pets should not drink the water or engage in any water contact activities including swimming or wading in the water.

"It’s very frustrating because I ended up not going rowing this morning, but I thought I could swim and get my exercise that way. Then I come over here and it’s closed," said Nikki Nichols while visiting Matthews Beach.

Public Health-Seattle & King County collects three samples from waters every Tuesday. This month's test results show the daily average bacteria levels are rising at Matthews Beach. Results for daily average bacteria were 138 on July 6th, 402 on July 13th and 1203 on July 20th. 

The health department will re-test for safety next week and will keep the public updated.

The Pierce County Health Department also closed several beaches and access points along Flett and Chambers Creeks after a sewage spill on Wednesday.

The area closures include Sunnyside Beach Park, Chambers Creek Regional Park, Kobayashi Park and Chambers Bay Park, as well as access points at Chambers Creek Canyon and Mount View Cemetery.

People and pets should not go into the water to swim or to fish until further notice, according to authorities.

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