Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication, and Health Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington State Department of Health Beach Program


Advice staying healthy at the beach

How Do I Know if Fecal Bacteria Is High At My Beach?

It’s not always easy to tell if your favorite beach has high fecal bacteria, but with a few tools, you can become a poop detective!

  • Check today’s Beach Status to find out if there is an advisory posted at your beach or a beach nearby.
  • Check the historical results to see what the results have been in the past.

Ask yourself:

  • Has it rained recently? Bacteria results tend to be higher following heavy rain, particularly after a long dry spell.
  • Are there potential contamination sources nearby, such as a sewage treatment plant, septic systems, outfall pipes, or an agricultural center?
  • Is it a small enclosed bay with fine sediment? Small enclosed bays such as Dyes Inlet in Kitsap County or Eld Inlet in Thurston County tend to have higher bacteria levels than places with fast moving water such as Alki Point in Seattle.


For more information about the BEACH Program, contact Lynn Schneider at lysc461@ecy.wa.gov

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Questions or comments on website may be sent to Jessica Archer.