The swimming beach at Lake Meridian Park in Kent has been closed after water testing detected elevated bacteria levels, prompting health officials to warn people to stay out of the water until further notice.
Public Health – Seattle and King County announced Wednesday, June 17, that the beach is closed because of high bacteria levels. Officials recommend that people do not swim or play in the water while the closure remains in effect.
According to King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Program, approximately 30 popular swimming beaches across the county are monitored weekly from mid-May through mid-September for bacteria and, at some locations, toxic algae. Beaches are temporarily closed when testing indicates a high risk that people could become ill from swimming or playing in the water.
King County officials say the bacteria being monitored indicate the presence of fecal contamination from people, pets or wildlife. Summer beach closures are often linked to bacteria associated with wildlife, particularly geese, rather than sewage overflows. Exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of illnesses including nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, eye infections and skin rashes.
The county updates beach status information online and encourages residents to check current conditions before heading to a swimming area. Testing information and a list of alternative swimming locations are available at KingCounty.gov/SwimBeach.
