Update: Beaches near Kirkland and Medina re-open after water testing confirms safe conditions

December 24, 2020

Summary

Dec. 24 update: The beach and waters near Kirkland and Medina have been re-opened to the public after water quality testing showed safe results. The beach was closed out of an abundance of caution on Dec. 21 following an overflow during heavy rains at nearby York Pump Station, and testing confirmed that the water is safe.

Story

King County reported a sewer overflow at the Kirkland and Medina Pump Stations on Monday Dec. 21, as a result of the powerful rainstorm that has dumped nearly three inches of rain across most of the county.

Both Kirkland and Medina pump stations are operating at full function. Large volumes of rainfall throughout the day exceeded the capacity of the pump stations, and overflows began in the evening.

King County has notified health and regulatory agencies, will test water quality and has posted signs at Kirkland and Medina Park Beaches warning people to avoid contact with the water over the next several days as a precaution to protect public health.

Updates will be posted at in the DNRP Newsroom.

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.