Update: Madrona beach re-opens after water testing confirms safe conditions

January 16, 2021

Summary

Update: Madrona Beach has been re-opened to the public after water quality testing showed safe results. The beach was closed out of an abundance of caution on Jan. 13 following an overflow, and testing confirmed that the water is safe.

Story

A mix of stormwater and wastewater overflowed into Lake Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from the East Pine Pump Station from approximately midnight to just after 9 a.m. Pending closer calculation, as much as 2.2 million gallons of 80% stormwater and 20% sewage may have overflowed. Upon discovery, the pump station was immediately brought back online by county staff and is currently performing properly. Failure of the communication system that sends alarm notifications, which caused the discovery delay, and generator equipment failure is being investigated.

King County notified health and regulatory agencies, monitored water quality and posted beach closure signs at Madrona Beach warning people to avoid contact with the water as a precaution to protect public health.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Marie Fiore, 206-263-0284 or mfiore@kingcounty.gov 

About the King County Wastewater Treatment Division
King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and enhances the environment by collecting and treating wastewater while recycling valuable resources for the Puget Sound region. The division provides wastewater treatment services to 17 cities, 17 local sewer districts and more than 1.8 million residents across a 420-square-mile area in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.