(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation released the results for water samples collected on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 for Ketchikan beaches.

Advisories were issued for 2 of the 12 monitored beaches in Ketchikan. The two beaches in Ketchikan that had Enterococci exceedances above recreational standards are South Point Higgins beach (160 MPN/100ml) and Rotary Park Pool (617 MPN/100ml).

The remaining 10 monitored beaches in Ketchikan are below enterococci state recreation standards. The next Ketchikan Beach sampling is planned for Tuesday, June 9th. Sample results are expected to be available late afternoon on Wednesday, June 10th.

The Alaska Beach program was initiated along the Ketchikan coastline to monitor fecal waste contamination during the 2017, 2018 and 2019 recreational seasons. The 2020 recreational season will be conducted May through September.

Marine water samples will be collected at 12 monitoring sites to evaluate potential health risks indicated by enterococci bacteria, and to notify the public when levels exceeded state standards. 

Past years of bacteria monitoring have shown elevated levels of bacteria along the Ketchikan coastline from several potential sources, including private and public sewer treatment systems, individual septic tanks, wildlife, pet feces, ferries, and private and commercial vessels.

Exposure to fecal bacteria can cause illness in humans. Beachgoers are encouraged to wash their hands and shower after swimming or recreating in the water. Cook fish and shellfish to an internal temperature of 145oF. Avoid direct contact with water when bacteria advisories are in effect.

The Alaska Beach Monitoring Program is part of a nationwide effort to decrease the incidence of water-borne illness at public beaches under the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. The Alaska Clean Water Actions (ACWA) Grant for this project is managed by the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition with sampling collection by the Ketchikan Indian Community. 

On the Web:

Visit the Ketchikan Beach Program webpage for a beach map, results table, FAQs, and updates.

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
www.dec.alaska.gov

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