Kayak Point is safe for swimmers

PHOTO BY KRISTI PIHL Brenda Adair-Taylor, a WSU Beachwatcher, takes a water sample from Kayak Point County Park last Tuesday. The half-cup of water in the clear, sterile plastic bottle seems insignificant.

However, the saltwater samples collected from Kayak Point County Park last Tuesday will indicate whether or not the water is safe for humans.

The testing at Kayak is part of the state's Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health (BEACH) program. The program helps protect the safety of people who swim in the state's public saltwater beaches.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, volunteers collect samples at around 70 of the state's beaches and submit the samples for testing each week, said Jessica Archer, state BEACH program manager.

The tests examine the levels of fecal bacteria called Enterococcus. When that bacteria is present, feces have gotten into the water, she said. Other pathogens, such as norovirus or E. coli, could be present.

The state started the BEACH program in 2003, after an amendment to the federal Clean Water Act urged states to do so, Archer said. The state departments of ecology and health coordinate the program, which is funded by a federal grant.

Local governments, tribes and volunteer groups like the WSU Beachwatchers collect the samples.

Last Tuesday, Snohomish County Beachwatchers Phil Taylor and Brenda Adair-Taylor collected samples for the second time in two weeks.

At Kayak, the two collect water from three different locations that are the same each time, Adair-Taylor said.

The samples have to arrive at the sewage treatment plant in Everett by 2 p.m., where they will be tested, she said.

They noted the temperature (57 degrees F) and the wind direction (south). They also jotted down the cloud cover and wind speed, and the lack of people in the water.

Kayak Point County Park is well used, Taylor said. There isn't a time where they have been alone on the beach.

If the test results have a high count of the bacteria, Adair- Taylor said they would return the next day and retest.

Kayak has been within the Environmental Protection Agency's water quality guidelines every time it has been tested through the program. The previous test found a very low level of fecal bacteria.

Sources for the fecal bacteria can include pet waste, failing septic systems, sewage leaks or a sewage plant failure. More bacteria is present when it rains after a dry period.

Residents can check the BEACH program's Web site to see what the latest results are from the beach they intend to visit.

"Surf the Web before you surf the beach," Archer said.

For more information or to look at the recent and historical testing results from area beaches, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/ eap/beach/.