PORT TOWNSEND — Quilcene Beach has been reopened to recreational use after bacterial levels diminished.
Jefferson County Public Health has removed the closed sign at the beach at 1731 Linger Longer Road.
Tests of a new sample of water at the beach, also known as Herb Beck Marina Beach, found that fecal bacteria counts now average 20 enterococcus, a type of fecal bacteria that can make people sick, which is below the state warning level of 104.
Last Friday, high levels of bacteria — possibly due to a failing septic system nearby — prompted the closure. On Wednesday of that week, enterococcus levels averaged over 600, more than double the closure level.
A failed septic system is being repaired and other potential sources are being investigated, said the public health department on its website.
Also last Friday, an unrelated incident also resulted in poor water quality in the nearby Little Quilcene River when streamflow at the gauge went from 34 cubic feet per second to 212 cfs between 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The sudden flood was accompanied by brown, turbid water. The river level has since come down to normal and the water cleared.
State Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking into reports of a beaver dam having been breached.
