UPDATE: July 1, 2019
Golden Gardens is back open! Based on the most recent water tests, conditions have improved greatly and the water at Golden Gardens beach is now safe for contact. SPU crews removed “Closed” signs in the early afternoon of July 1.
UPDATE: June 28, 2019
Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle/King County Public Health are continuing to test water samples at Golden Gardens beach. Conditions are improving. However, the beach is still closed to water activities until further notice. “Closed” signs will remain posted until water is safe for contact. Signs are posted at the following locations:
SEATTLE (June 26, 2019) – Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is advising the public to avoid water activities at Golden Gardens Beach after a sewer overflow just north of the beach. While the overflow has been stopped, water samples have revealed elevated levels of bacteria.
The entire closure area extends from the Eddie Vine Boat Ramp to the Blue Ridge Community Club:
SPU and Seattle/King County Public Health are working together to monitor the bacteria levels in the water. While the beach itself is open for recreation, water activities at Golden Gardens Beach are prohibited until water samples show acceptable levels for water-contact activities and “Closed” signs have been removed.
What Caused the Overflow?
The blockage that triggered the sewer overflow in the North Beach area, north of Golden Gardens, was caused by tree roots and materials like wipes, which, even if labeled “flushable,” should never be flushed into the sewer system.
What Not to Flush
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else goes in the trash. Trash flushed down toilets not only puts your pipes at risk, but is also an increasing problem for the city’s sewer system and equipment, and can lead to sewage overflows. Here is a list of items that should not be flushed:
- Wipes of any kind (even if labeled flushable)
- Facial Tissues
- Disposable sanitary products
- Condoms
- Diapers
- Dental Floss
- Paper Towels
- Medications
Learn More
Check out this video on toilet paper vs “flushable” wipes to see how toilet paper breaks down while wipes do not.