E. Coli levels at Kitsap Lake Park swimming beach return to safer levels
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 09/05/2018 02:29 PM PDT
9/5/2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
E. Coli levels at Kitsap Lake Park swimming beach return to safer levels
However, people are still advised to avoid swimming and contact with lake due to ongoing Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) warning
E.
coli levels at the Kitsap Lake Park swimming beach have returned to levels
considered safe for human contact, however the continued presence of toxins
from cyanobacteria (blue green algae) still pose health risks.
While the park swimming beach is no longer closed for elevated E. coli levels, the Kitsap Public Health District advises the public to continue to avoid contact with the water at the park swimming beach and throughout Kitsap Lake due to the lake-wide cyanobacteria warning issued July 10.
Cyanobacteria (blue green algae)
Because toxic cyanobacteria can make people sick, and can kill pets, fish, waterfowl and livestock, the public is advised to:
Avoid all contact with Kitsap Lake until further notice. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes (especially in areas where the algae are concentrated).
Avoid ingesting lake or stream water. If a resident draws lake water for drinking purposes, they are encouraged to drink bottled water until further notice.
Limit access of pets and livestock to the lake.
Exercise caution when considering eating fish caught in the lake as toxins can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the liver, kidneys and other organs. Before eating, remove internal organs, which may contain more of the toxin.
Rinse boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake.
Kitsap Public Health will continue to monitor the Kitsap Lake Park swimming beach for both cyanobacteria and E.coli. No illnesses have been reported to Kitsap Public Health at this time.
SWIMMING
BEACH MONITORING:
During
the summer months, the Kitsap Public Health District monitors 34 fresh and salt
water swimming areas for bacteria levels and sources, safety concerns, and
toxic cyanobacteria (commonly known as toxic blue-green algae). If people
or pets become sick after being in the water, or if you see an algae bloom or
large numbers of dead fish, please report it online or by calling 360-728-2235 so
Kitsap Public Health can investigate and take action, if necessary.
High
levels of E.coli bacteria can be caused by wildlife and pets in the water,
people swimming when they are sick with diarrhea, a large number of
swimmers, infants swimming without swim diapers, and/or and people entering the
water without showering.
John Kiess | Environmental Health Director
Kitsap Public Health District
345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 728-2290 Office | (360) 728-2235 Main john.kiess@kitsappublichealth.org
| kitsappublichealth.org