Public health alert: High bacteria levels at 5 Washington beaches

Aug 25, 2025, 12:22 PM

A photo of a red "No Swimming" flag. (Photo: Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images)

(Photo: Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images)

Content Editor

As Seattle’s summer heat ramped back up, King County Public Health (KCPH) warned that several Washington beaches have returned high bacteria samples, and summer beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water.

High bacteria detections were located at Madison Park Beach, Houghton Beach, Luther Burbank Beach, Idylwood Beach, and Gene Coulon Beach.

High bacteria levels at multiple Washington beaches

KCPH collected three water samples in separate parts of each beach on Aug. 18 and 19, which recorded high bacteria levels.

“We test the water for bacteria, which tells us whether there is poop in the water from people, pets, or wildlife. Poop can carry germs that can make people sick from swimming or playing in the water,” King County Public Health wrote in a news release.

The health department based its decision on how many Colony Forming Units (CFU) were found, which is a count of the number of bacteria per 100 mL of water (about a half-cup of water), according to King County.

The following list includes beach samples with elevated bacterial CFUs:

Madison Park Beach: Sample B, 6,800; Sample C, 430.
Houghton Beach: Sample B, 440; Sample C, 690.
Luther Burbank Beach: Sample A, 370; Sample B, 340; Sample C, 550.
Idylwood Beach: Sample B, 530
Gene Coulon Beach: Sample C, 470

“We use the bacteria test results to predict the chance that people will get sick from germs that might be in the water. There are many different types of germs that can come from poop (bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.), and it is not possible to test for each one,” King County Public Health wrote. “Instead, we test for one type of bacteria that is easy to measure and is commonly used to predict the risk of getting sick from swimming.”

The summer heat reached as high as 90 degrees in parts of the greater Seattle area over the weekend. Using a local beach to cool off from the heat is limited, but not completely out of the picture.

Beaches that remain open for public use include Madrona Beach, Seward Park, Magnuson Beach, Meydenbaur Beach, and Enatai Beach, among others.

There is no information on how long the closure will be in effect.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

MyNorthwest News

Frank Lenzi

Suspects ram pickup into Lynnwood jewelry store; employee starts shooting

An employee opened fire during a violent attempted robbery at a Lynnwood jewelry store, where suspects rammed a pickup truck into the business.

6 hours ago

Gee Scott

Gee: Wait, what?! Don’t change the standard because Trump’s your guy

Gee Scott challenges political double standards after Trump’s remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego, arguing loyalty shouldn’t mean abandoning accountability.

7 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio staff

King County Council approves sales tax increase without seeking voter approval

The King County Council approved a sales tax increase Tuesday to support children and families.

7 hours ago

MyNorthwest Staff

Mother arrested in Edmonds in connection with death of 2-year-old child

A mother was arrested Tuesday in Edmonds in connection with the death of her 2-year-old child. The 44-year-old woman was booked on charges of first-degree manslaughter domestic violence, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. Her 2-year-old child died in November 2022 in Lynnwood. Deputies responded to reports of an unresponsive child and performed lifesaving […]

7 hours ago