Fecal Matters

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our scientists and BEACH partners sample public beaches on marine waters for bacterial contamination. We collect water samples from high-use beaches to test for fecal bacteria and let the public know when beaches are closed due to health concerns.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our scientists and BEACH partners sample public beaches on marine waters for bacterial contamination. We collect water samples from high-use beaches to test for fecal bacteria and let the public know when beaches are closed due to health concerns.

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Headed to the beach? Check for poop before you stick in your feet!
Check our safe swimming map for beach advisories and closures. Help us keep poop off the beach.
Fecal Matters: The 2022 BEACH report is in
Check out the new BEACH Annual Report to see how your beach fared in 2022.
Fecal Matters: Cormorant Cove and Richey Viewpoint beaches are now open for water recreation, King County
On Jan. 17, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) lifted the closure at both Cormorant Cove and Richey Viewpoint beaches in King County.
Fecal Matters: UPDATE — Cormorant Cove beach closure now includes Richey Viewpoint Park, King County
On Jan. 12, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities posted additional closure signs at Richey Viewpoint Park in King County. The park is located just north of Cormorant Cove beach, also under closure.
Fecal Matters: Cormorant Cove beach is closed to water recreation, King County
On Jan. 10, 2023, Seattle Public Utilities issued a closure at Cormorant Cove beach in King County.
Fecal Matters: Health risks after heavy rainfall
Beachgoers need to be aware of the potential health risks associated with large rains and take precaution when visiting a beach.
Fecal Matters: Double Bluff Park now open for water recreation, Island County
On August 26, 2022, Island County Public Health lifted the advisory at Double Bluff County Park in Island County.
Fecal Matters: No-contact advisory issued for Double Bluff County Park, Island County
No-contact advisory issued for Double Bluff County Park, Island County
Fecal Matters: Silverdale Waterfront Park (Kitsap County) and Larrabee State Park (Whatcom County) are open for water recreation
Silverdale Waterfront Park is now open for recreation, Kitsap County. Larrabee State Park is now open for water recreation, Whatcom County.
Fecal Matters: Lions Field Park is open for water recreation, Kitsap County
Lions Field Park is open for water recreation, Kitsap County