Houghton and Waverly Beaches Reopened for Water Activities

Published on July 02, 2024

Media Contact: 
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov  

Houghton Beach and Waverly Beach have been reopened for swimming, wading and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Houghton Beach had been closed to swimming for two weeks, and Waverly Beach had been closed for one week due to elevated bacteria levels.

Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water on Monday, July 1, and notified the City on Tuesday, July 2, that the waters were again safe for recreational use. King County crews will return weekly to the beach throughout the summer to take samples to ensure that the water is safe.   Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria at the beach exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples.

For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.

Why do the swimming areas close? Swim Beaches throughout King County are tested weekly by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. If beach water tests high for bacteria, the swimming area will be closed, and there will be no lifeguards on duty. For testing information or to see which beaches are open/closed please visit the King County Lake Swimming Beach Bacteria page. 

Do you want to be notified of swim beach closures and reopening? Join the King County Lake Beach Alert mailing list.