top of page
KPHD_logo_modified 2
Scenic Kitsap landscape: lake, houses, mountains.

Our vision:

A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Sign up now for beach and lake advisories

  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Subscribe to beach and lake alerts at KitsapPublicHealth.org/subscribe.


A boy with dark hair wearing a green life jacket paddle boards on the water.

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Summer swimming season is almost here! From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our Environmental Health team monitors certain swimming areas for fecal pollution and other hazards to help visitors stay healthy.


As you plan your next outdoor adventure, 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 test the water to find out if it’s 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 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 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:


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

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

  • Not letting children in the water if they are not toilet trained.

  • Avoiding crowded swimming areas.

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

  • Avoiding getting water in your mouth.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.

Cyanobacteria


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 online or by calling 360-728-2235. 


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


bottom of page