Some beaches in King County have been closed as more and more residents are seeking to escape the heat and enjoy swimming in lakes and beaches as the heat wave hits the Seattle area.
King County officials said a recent beach water test in the area showed that some beaches had high levels of bacteria and decided to close them for the time being until they drop again.
The beaches that were decided to be closed include Jean Coulomb Park, Green Lake East Beach, Hidden Lake, Juanita Beach, Maiden Bauer Bay Beach, and Newcastle Beach. It is a place that is often visited by families and tourists, so inconvenience and disappointment is expected.
Authorities measure bacterial concentrations in water from three different locations per park each week, average the results, and then close them down if the numbers are high.
Even if the bacteria level goes down, the water quality test will be conducted twice a week until it is determined that it is safe for residents to use it again, he said.