Houghton Beach Park Swimming Area Closed Due to Elevated Bacteria Levels

Houghton Beach Park's swimming area in Kirkland is closed for at least a week due to elevated bacteria levels detected in the water, posing serious health risks to people and pets. The city's Parks and Community Services department advises against swimming, drinking lake water, or engaging in any water activities in the affected area. While the swimming section is closed, the rest of Houghton Beach Park is open for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant about water safety, especially during peak swimming seasons. Residents can refer to the King County Lake Swimming Beach Program website for updates on water quality and safety measures.

This situation highlights the importance of environmental monitoring to protect public health. As the community looks forward to the reopening of the swimming area, awareness of water quality remains crucial.