October 5, 2021
For Immediate Release
Jefferson County Public Health
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
360-385-9444 ext. 301

Port Townsend – City of Port Townsend officials reported an intermittent leak of treated sewage at North Beach near the border between North Beach County Park and Fort Worden State Park. The outfall of the wastewater treatment plant has broken where it crosses the beach enroute to the normal discharge location in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. As a result, Jefferson County Public Health has issued a health warning for North Beach waters that may contain elevated levels of bacteria that can be harmful to human health, and posted warning signs. 

The public is advised to avoid swimming at North Beach. Shellfishing is always closed at North Beach due to the proximity of the sewage treatment plant outfall. The treated wastewater typically contains low counts of bacteria, but there is a potential risk to human health. Repairs were underway Tuesday by Port Townsend Public Works. The public is advised to avoid the area until the repairs are completed. 

Check the Washington State BEACH program website for more information about sewage spills and beach safety: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-quality/Saltwater/BEACH-program. photo credit: North Beach, photo by Michael Dawson. October 5, 2021. 

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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community