UPDATE: Sewage spill that prompted health advisory at Tacoma lake has been lifted
Update: “On July 3, 2023, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department lifted the high bacteria advisory for Snake Lake in Tacoma,” the department said in a news release. “The cross connection to the City of Tacoma storm drain system has been fixed and is no longer a threat to public health. “
Previous post: The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a health advisory due to a sewage spill at Snake Lake in Tacoma on Tuesday, June 27.
People and pets should avoid swimming, wading, or fishing within the waters of Snake Lake until further notice. The department recommends showering and washing your hands before eating if you have come into contact with Snake Lake water.
The City of Tacoma’s sewer department found a residential sewer line connected to the storm water system while on a routine check. Officials expect to complete a repair in the next few days, and the advisory will be lifted once the spill stops, according to the city.
Similar sewage spills into Snake Lake occurred in both 2005 and 2012, yet for different reasons, city officials said.
Once the advisory is lifted, the health department will remove warning signs near Snake Lake.
Snake Lake is surrounded by Snake Lake Loop Trail, an urban trail in Tacoma’s Nature Center. The trail has proved to be a popular one, with almost 600 completed marks on AllTrails. It is still safe to hike around the lake, as long as you’re staying away from the water, city officials said.
Questions about the advisory? You can email Pierce County Health Departments Surface Water Program at ehsurfacewater-shellfish@tpchd.org.
Current water advisories can be found at https://www.tpchd.org/advisories.
This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 2:35 PM.
