Signs posted at Picnic Point Park near Edmonds and Howarth Park in Everett warning the public against swimming or wading because of high bacterial contamination levels are expected to be taken down this afternoon.
The warnings were posted Wednesday after tests on water samples showed extremely high levels of bacteria in the water.
However, results from a second set of water samples, available Thursday afternoon, showed that bacterial levels had dropped to safe levels, said Jessica Archer, a manager in a state program that monitors pollution levels at 50 beaches around the state.
Water along inland beaches can become contaminated with bacteria and other disease-causing organisms from both shore and inland sources, she said.
The samples at Picnic Point and Howarth Park “were off-the-charts high, high enough that we posted caution signs at the beach,” she said.
Contamination of water near beaches can be caused by failing septic tanks, runoff from cars, pet waste and other sources, she said.
The pollutants are washed down into the water, elevating bacterial levels, she said.
Bacteria levels tend to fluctuate during times of heavy rains and then are washed away by currents, Archer said.
A good rule of thumb, she said, is to stay way from beaches for about 48 hours after a heavy rain.
This week’s posting of warning signs at the two beaches marked the first time since September 2004 that the public had been advised not to swim or wade at the two beaches.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
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