Beaches in and around Seattle closed due to high bacteria concentrations

Those hoping to take a dip at Gene Coulon and Madrona Beach will have to wait at least another week, as the waters of both are temporarily closed.

Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE) officials closed the beaches on Thursday due to high bacteria concentrations.

They recommend that people and pets “do not swim or wade at this beach, drink lake water, or engage in other water-contact activities.”

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According to WSDOE, bacteria levels at Gene Coulon have been unsafe to swim in as of July 28. The beach most recently tested at 777 CFU/100 ml, when anything equal to or less than 200 is considered safe for swimming.

Gene Coulon Bacteria Concentrations.

On August 4, the bacteria levels at Madrona Beach tested at 1013 CFU/100 ml, and have now subsided to 525 CFU/100 ml — still 325 CFU/ml above what’s necessary for safe swimming.

Madrona Beach bacteria concentrations.