Lakes in Kirkland, Burien close for E. Coli and toxic algae

Lakes in Kirkland and Burien have been closed for swimming and water activities, after Juanita Beach’s waters tested for “high levels” of E. Coli, and Lake Burien tested positive for toxic algae.

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Kirkland’s Juanita Beach — situated along the shore of Lake Washington — will be closed through the weekend. Lake Burien’s sample was collected on May 31, but the decision to close to swimmers was made Tuesday. The city has not said when Lake Burien will reopen.

For now, the City of Burien is advising people and pets not to swim in the lake, drink lake water, “or engage in other water-contact activities.”

The cause behind the E. Coli in Kirkland’s waters is unknown at this time, although crews theorize that a “large number of waterfowl on the eastern shore” could be the culprit.

E. Coli is commonly found in the digestive tracks of most mammals and birds, and is generally harmless. A handful of strains, though, are harmful to humans, and can cause serious illness if ingested.

Algae in lakes comes with its own host of issues as well. In May, a Jefferson County dog died shortly after splashing in a lake known to have issues with toxic algae. Seattle’s own Green Lake often sees its algae population explode in the summer months, leading to frequent warnings and closures for swimmers and pet owners.

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