NORDLAND — Jefferson County Public Health has issued a health advisory regarding high levels of fecal bacteria in the water off East Beach.
The department has posted a warning sign at the beach, 330 East Beach Road on Marrowstone Island.
Samples collected at the beach on June 17 averaged more 500 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. The Washington BEACH program warning level is 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water.
The public, including pets, is urged to avoid contact with the water at East Beach until new samples can be tested and declared safe.
Fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses; children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.
Jefferson County Public Health monitors saltwater swimming beaches weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day as part of the Washington Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health program.
The joint program, managed of the state departments of health and ecology, monitors water quality at recreational swimming beaches throughout Puget Sound and coastal Washington.
For more information, visit www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/202/public-health.
