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Kitsap Public Health District logo: a stick figure person that represents the "K" in Kitsap in a dark green-blue color.
The kitsap landscape at sunrise with houses dotting across the ground, forest and trees, and the mountain range and sky.

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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Cyanobacteria
(Blue-Green Algae)
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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Read the 2024 Water Quality Monitoring Report



a green cyanobacteria blooms surrounding lily pads

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.

Sign Up to Get Advisories by Email or Text

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:

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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.

Read Full Advisory

  • 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:

    April 30, 2025

    Date Removed:

    May 7, 2025

    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


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Water Quality Report

We monitor streams throughout Kitsap County to prevent water pollution and protect public health. View our yearly report to learn more about our work and the health of streams in your neighborhood.

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