Long Lake swimming beach closed due to high bacteria
- tadsooter
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Avoid contact with water in the swimming area until further notice.
UPDATE: This advisory was lifted on Aug. 22. See our beach advisories page for current advisories.
Kitsap Public Health District has temporarily closed the swimming beach at Long Lake Park due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. We 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 popular 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 swimming beaches when E. coli levels exceed a geometric mean value (GMV) of 100 MPN/100 mL. For samples taken Aug. 19, at the Long Lake swimming beach, the GMV was 126 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.
Resources
Water Advisories | Kitsap Public Health
Swimming Beach Monitoring | Kitsap Public Health
Sign up for email and text alerts | Kitsap Public Health
Recreational Water Illness | WA Dept. of Health
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
Office: 360-728-2330 | Main: 360-728-2235
.png){kind=logo}
