Houghton Beach Closed For At Least A Week; Juanita Beach Reopens

KIRKLAND, WA — Houghton Beach will be closed for at least a week after water quality tests Wednesday detected bacteria levels above the acceptable thresholds. In a news release, Kirkland officials said crews from the King County Water and Land Resources Division would return to the beach for follow-up tests next week.

The beach can only reopen once bacteria levels recede to the safe range. Until then, people and pets should avoid all contact with water at the beach, including swimming and drinking. Signs are posted at the beach, and lifeguards will be on-site to inform visitors of the situation.

Houghton's closure came the same day that Juanita Beach reopened, following a two-week bacteria-related closure. Lifeguards returned to that beach for normal staffing on Thursday.

Information and water quality alerts for swimming beaches around King County are posted online.