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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.

Let’s work together to help everyone enjoy summer safely

  • katiebaker9
  • May 22
  • 3 min read

Sign up for health advisories by email or text at KitsapPublicHealth.org/subscribe. 


Summer swimming season is almost here! From May to September, our Environmental Health team monitors popular swimming areas for fecal pollution and other hazards to help visitors stay healthy.


As you plan your outdoor adventures, let’s work together to help keep everyone safe at the lake. Make sure to: 


  • Subscribe to email or text beach and lake advisories.

    • Stay up to date on water advisories.

    • Share advisories with family, friends, and neighbors.



  • Report health concerns. 

    • If you see scum, strange colors, or dead animals near a public lake or beach, let us know! We will take samples to find out if the water is unsafe.



Swimming beach monitoring  


How we help


Fecal pollution – poop in the water - can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that make people sick.


To monitor for fecal pollution, our team collects water samples from popular swimming areas each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Samples are tested in a lab to check for bacteria that can indicate there is fecal pollution in the water. Check our website to see a list of swimming beaches we monitor.


When our samples show high pollution levels, we close swimming areas and issue a no-contact advisory. During a no-contact advisory, we ask people to avoid swimming and other activities that could get water into their mouth or eyes. If you do touch the water, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.


How you can help 


Fecal pollution can come from people, pets, or wildlife. You can help protect yourself and people around you by:


  • Avoiding crowded swimming areas.

  • Avoiding areas with algae, flocks of ducks, and other animals.

  • Staying out of the water if you are sick or have recently been sick, especially if you have had diarrhea.

  • Avoiding getting water in your mouth.

  • Do not let children in the water if they are not toilet trained.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.

  • Shower before and after swimming and use a clean towel to dry off.


Cyanobacteria in lakes 


How we help


Cyanobacteria — sometimes called blue-green algae — are found in all types of water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that can make people and animals sick.  


We respond to reports of algae blooms in local lakes. If we find there are toxic cyanobacteria in a public lake, we warn people and their pets to stay out of the water by sending email and text alerts and posting signs.


How you can help


Watch for warning signs posted at public access points and be on the lookout for cyanobacteria. Stay out of the water and contact us if you notice:


  • Scum on the water’s surface.

  • Large numbers of dead fish.

  • Sudden or unexplained sickness or death of an animal that has been in the water.

  • Someone has a rash, stomach pain, diarrhea, or is throwing up after being in the water.


Report concerns at 360-728-2235 or online. 


If you live near the water, you can help improve water quality and prevent blooms by using natural yard care products and techniques. 


Shellfish harvesting advisories 


We collect shellfish samples year-round to monitor dangerous biotoxins. If you plan to harvest shellfish, sign up for our email or text shellfish harvesting advisories. Always check the state shellfish safety map before heading to the beach. 


Additional resources


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