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The BEACH program is jointly managed by the Department of Health and the Department of Ecology.

 

Dept of Health web site:

• BEACH Program Home

• Recreational Shellfish Beach Closures

• Web Resources

• Staff Contacts

 

See also:

• Water Recreation Program

• Water Safety

 

 

Dept of Ecology web site:

• BEACH Program Home

    •  Coastal Atlas

    •  Guidance

    •  Monitoring Results

    •  Brochure

 

 

• Find Your Local Health Department

 

 

logo State Department of Ecology

 


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Advisory Definitions

Advisories will be posted at swimming beaches based on water monitoring results and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for acceptable bacteria levels, as well as other considerations. 

 

Green beach sign indicating that this beach's water quality is monitored.  

 

 Bacteria levels are considered acceptable according to EPA recommendations.

Good
 

 
Yellow sign says Caution, no swimming or wading because of water quality concerns.  

 

 Bacteria levels exceed EPA recommendations. Children, elderly, and those in ill health are advised not to swim.

Caution
 

 
Red sign says this beach has been closed because the water is contaminated.  

 

 Local health department has closed beach for swimming.

Closed
 

For additional program information, please contact Jessica Bennett at (360) 236-3315 or jessica.bennett@doh.wa.gov.
 
 

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Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

BEACH Program
Office of Shellfish and Water Protection
Division of Environmental Health
Washington State Department of Health

Mailing address:  DOH BEACH Program, PO Box 47824, Olympia, WA  98504-7824
Physical address:  243 Israel Rd. SE, Town Center Building 3, Tumwater, WA

Phone:  360-236-3330
Fax:     360-236-2257

Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office.
For comments or questions regarding this Web site, please send email to Web Coordinator.

     Last Update : 03/08/2010 11:39 AM