July 28, 2023

KITSAP COUNTY, WA

Beach at Mission Lake fishing access temporarily closed due to high fecal bacteria

Avoid contact with water at the beach until further notice. Fishing access remains open.

Today the Kitsap Public Health District temporarily closed the beach at the Mission Lake public fishing access due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. Fishing access remains open. The Health District will monitor water quality at the beach and will reopen the swimming area when bacteria return to a safer level.

Because there is an increased risk of getting sick, please avoid all contact with the water at the swimming area. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get into your mouth, nose, or eyes. The risk of illness is greatest for young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

No illnesses have been reported to the Health District at this time. 

SWIMMING BEACH MONITORING

We monitor 30 fresh and saltwater swimming areas for bacteria during the summer months. We also check for toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and other safety concerns. If people or animals 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. We will investigate and take action if necessary.

High levels of bacteria can be caused by wildlife and pets in the water, people swimming when they are sick with diarrhea, crowded swimming areas, infants swimming without swim diapers, or people entering the water without showering.   

SAMPLING RESULTS

We close freshwater swimming beaches when water samples have a geometric or arithmetic mean value over 100 E coli/100 mL. For samples taken July 27 at the Mission Lake beach, the value was 359/100 mL.

RESOURCES: 

• Kitsap Public Health District water contact advisories
• Kitsap Public Health District swimming beach monitoring information
• Video: Monitoring for bacteria at swimming beaches
• Recreational water illnesses information
• Sign up to receive lake and swimming beach advisories by email or text

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Tad Sooter |  Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
345 6th St., Suite 300  |  Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 728-2330 Office |  (360) 728-2235 Main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org  |  kitsappublichealth.org