January 19, 2017

No-contact advisory issued for Port Washington Narrows

Heavy rains cause combined sewer overflow (CSO)

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — The Kitsap Public Health District has issued a no-contact advisory for Port Washington Narrows through noon on Saturday due to a combined sewer overflow (CSO).  Signs are being posted at public access points including Lion’s Park.

According to the City of Bremerton Public Works and Utilities Department, the 4,469 gallon CSO occurred between 7:40 – 8:13 a.m. on Wed., Jan. 18 due to heavy rains. 

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are a diluted mixture of untreated sewage and stormwater that are discharged into Puget Sound. They occur as a direct result of stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system during heavy rain storms. Under these conditions the system functioned as designed, discharging excess flow into marine water to prevent the back up of sewage into individual homes and businesses. For more information on Bremerton’s efforts to reduce CSOs, visit the City of Bremerton’s website.

During a no-contact advisory, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area.  This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes.  People should also avoid direct skin contact if possible, and immediately wash with soap and water if they have exposure to the water. 

An ongoing closure is in place for shellfish harvesting in Port Washington Narrows due to pollution.  For up-to-date information on shellfish harvesting throughout Kitsap County, visit www.kitsappublichealth.org/shellfish.

Kitsap Public Health provides information on shellfish harvesting, beach closures and other public health topics via the District’s website, Facebook page, and the Kitsap Electronic Notification System (KENS). Sign-up at www.kitsappublichealth.org/subscribe. 

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For more information on the CSO, please contact:
Pat Coxon | Wastewater Manager
Department of Public Works & Utilities
City of Bremerton
360-473-5400 - office
pat.coxon@ci.bremerton.wa.us
 

For more information on the no-contact advisory, please contact:
Karen McKay Bevers | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
345 6th St., Suite 300  |  Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 728-2330 - Office (new)
(360) 728-2235 - Main (new)
karen.bevers@kitsappublichealth.org