Tacoma waterway contaminated with bacteria. No wading or swimming, health officials say

Update: This advisory was lifted Dec. 20.

Health officials are warning people to stay out of Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway for the time being.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported Wednesday that lab tests found high levels of bacteria in the water, “which increases your risk of gastrointestinal illness if you come in contact with it.”

The Blue Water Task Force first found high bacteria counts, which were confirmed by TPCHD tests. The source of the bacteria was not immediately disclosed.

“We posted advisory signs along the the water and will continue to monitor bacteria levels,” according to a health district news release. “When levels no longer show increased risks to public health, we will remove the signs.

People can find more information at the Surface Water Program website and current surface-water advisories at tpchd.org/advisories.

This story was originally published November 22, 2023 at 10:39 AM.