With elevated E. coli levels there is an increased risk of getting sick, so the the public is advised to continue to avoid all contact with the water at the swimming beach 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. The risk of illness is greatest for young children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
The closure level for E. coli is a geometric mean value (GMV) of 126 MPN/100 mL. For samples taken Wednesday, July 10, at the Kitsap Lake Park swimming beach, the GMV was 226 MPN/100 mL.
MPN/100mL is a unit of measure and stands for the "most probable number" of bacteria colonies that grow in a 100 milliliter sample.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
An advisory for potentially toxic cyanobacteria remains in effect for Kitsap Lake. Because toxic cyanobacteria can make people sick, and can kill pets, fish, waterfowl and livestock, the public is advised to:
Avoid all contact with the lake water 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.
Avoid eating fish caught during the algae bloom.
Rinse boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake.
Kitsap Public Health will continue to monitor the Kitsap Lake 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.
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2330 Office | (360) 908-8892 Cell pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org
