Coulon Park beach to remain closed through weekend
Published 3:04 pm Friday, September 5, 2014
It should be a nice, warm weekend, but if you are looking to cool off with a swim, don’t head down to Coulon Park.
Due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the latest round of testing from King County, the swimming beach at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will remain closed through the weekend.
The beach was closed Aug. 29 after high levels of the bacteria were discovered during routine testing Aug. 25 and again on repeat samples Aug. 27 and 28.
Test on Monday again showed high levels of the bacteria, as did follow-up tests on Thursday.
Fecal coliform bacteria is a family of bacteria found in the digestive tracts of animals, including geese, dogs and humans. The bacteria is only dangerous when ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal illness in those who do
The bacteria is always present in the water, but when the numbers reach above a certain level, the county recommends the beach be shut down. It is unknown what caused the increased level at Coulon.
This is the second time in a month that Coulon Beach has been closed to swimmers. Coulon was also closed Aug. 15 to 19 due to high levels of bacteria.
City officials said Friday that they hope to re-open the swimming area next week, following a new round of testing.
