6 King County, WA, beaches close due to high bacteria levels
Seattle area beaches closed for bacteria concerns
Despite recent hot weather across the Pacific Northwest, a number of beaches have been closed due to rising bacteria levels that could pose a serious health risk.
KING COUNTY, Wash. - Health officials have closed several beaches in King County because of unsafe bacteria levels.
As warm temperatures continue across the region, people around Puget Sound have been flocking to area lakes to cool down. But King County health officials are sounding the alarm, warning swimmers to avoid certain spots of Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish due to health risks.
(King County )
What beaches are closed in King County, WA?
According to King County, the following beaches are closed due to high levels of bacteria or other reasons:
- Gen Coulon Beach - High Bacteria
- Houghton Beach - High Bacteria
- Idylwood Beach - High Bacteria
- Luther Burbank Beach - High Bacteria
- Madison Park Beach - High Bacteria
- Mount Baker Beach - Sewage Spill
What are the risks of swimming in water with high bacteria levels?
What they're saying:
King County Parks officials often test the water for bacteria, which tells them whether there is fecal matter in the water from wildlife, pets or people. They test for a specific type of bacteria that is easy to measure and is found in the feces of warm-blooded animals.
Swimming in the water of the closed beaches could cause vomiting, diarrhea, infections and more, according to health officials.
The Source: Information in this story comes from King County.
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