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Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.
Cyanobacteria
Water Pollution Identification & Correction
Shellfish Safety
Shellfish Harvesting Advisories
Swimming Beach Monitoring
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Water Quality Advisories
Water Quality
Reports
The Kitsap Public Health District's Water Pollution Identification & Correction (PIC) program protects public health and prevents fecal pollution in Kitsap County surface waters.
Health District staff sample dozens of streams and swimming beaches across the county for fecal bacteria, an indicator of fecal pollution caused by human or animal waste. Fecal pollution can carry viruses and harmful bacteria that make people sick.
We use water sampling results to notify the public of potential health risks, and to find and fix fecal pollution problems. This helps keep our streams, swimming beaches and shellfish beds safe and healthy for the public to enjoy.
Read the 2024 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) are bacteria that grow naturally in water.
Colorful cyanobacteria blooms sometimes appear in local lakes. Blooms can make the water look cloudy or form layers of scum on the water’s surface that look like blue, green, gray or orange paint. Blooms are more common during warm weather, but can happen at any time.
Some cyanobacteria blooms produce toxins. At high levels, these toxins can make people sick and can kill pets and wildlife.
Current Advisories
Active swimming beach, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and sewage spill advisories are listed below. For shellfish advisories, see our shellfish safety page.
Swimmer's Itch
Location:
All Lakes
Start Date:
September 23, 2024
Status:
Active
Swimmer's Itch (cercarial dermatitis) is caused by an allergic reaction to a parasite.
Swimmers should wear waterproof sunscreen and shower or vigorously towel-off immediately after swimming in a lake.
This list displays water contact advisories that were removed (expired) in the current calendar year. These advisories are no longer in effect. Check the list above for active advisories.
Portion of Liberty Bay/Keyport shoreline
Advisory:
Sewage Spill Advisory
Start Date:
December 2, 2024
Date Removed:
December 8, 2024
Status:
Removed
Kitsap Lake
Advisory:
Sewage Spill Advisory
Start Date:
November 17, 2024
Date Removed:
November 22, 2024
Status:
Removed
Stay safe at lakes
Check kitsappublichealth.org/beaches for current cyanobacteria and swimming beach advisories. You can also sign up to receive advisories by email or text.
Watch for cyanobacteria warning signs posted at public beaches, docks, and other public access points.
Keep an eye out for algae blooms and other health hazards. Do not go in the water if you notice unusual colors, scum, or dead fish or animals.
You can report cyanobacteria blooms and other potential health hazards online or by calling 360-728-2235.
What do cyanobacteria blooms look like?
Are all cyanobacteria blooms toxic?
What are the health risks to people and animals?
Is it safe to go fishing or eat fish during a cyanobacteria bloom?
How does Kitsap Public Health respond to cyanobacteria?
How can I help prevent cyanobacteria blooms?
What about algae control programs for lakes?
More cyanobacteria resources
Cyanobacteria | Washington State Department of Health
Toxic Algae | NW Toxic Algae
Natural Yard Care Guide | Kitsap County
Lake and Beach Management Districts for local governments
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