We test the water at more than two dozen popular lake swimming beaches during mid-May to mid-September. If water tests find high bacteria, this means there is poop in the water from people, pets, or wildlife. Poop can carry germs that can make people sick from swimming or playing in the water.

Bacteria testing at swimming beaches has ended for the season. Toxic-algae testing will continue at many beaches through October. For more information about toxic algae in lakes, visit the Northwest Toxic Algae website.

Swim safely during the rainy season! When it rains, poop (and germs) gets washed from land into the water. Swimmers, kayakers, and other winter beachgoers should use caution after heavy rainfall:

• Stay out of the water for at least 24 hours after heavy rainfall.
• Avoid areas where you see pipes or streams that drain directly to the beach.
• Check the Combined Sewer Overflow website, which shows places where the combined sewer has overflowed recently. Avoid swimming near an overflow for 48 hours.

Visit Public Health’s Water Safety website for cold water safety tips, life jacket resources, and more. For marine beach bacteria, visit the Department of Ecology's BEACH Monitoring website.