Health officials warn of high bacteria levels in parts of Commencement Bay

Update: This advisory was lifted on Jan. 2, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Original post: As polar-plunge season approaches, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is warning of an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness for those who swim or wade in parts of Commencement Bay.

In an advisory issued Dec. 23, the department stated that tests of water sampled at Thea’s Park and Jack Hyde Park in Tacoma on Dec. 19 showed high levels of bacteria that could potentially result in gastrointestinal illness. The department will post signs notifying passersby of the advisory and will continue to monitor bacteria levels, the advisory states.

The advisory also applies to Jerisich Dock in Gig Harbor.

“When bacteria levels no longer show increased risks to public health, we will remove the signs,” the advisory states.

This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 10:44 AM.

Isha Trivedi

The News Tribune

Isha Trivedi covers Tacoma city hall, Pierce County government and education for The News Tribune. She has previously worked at The Mercury News, the Palo Alto Weekly, the Chronicle of Higher Education and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. She grew up in San Jose, California and graduated with a bachelor of arts in journalism and anthropology from the George Washington University. She is a proud alumna of The GW Hatchet, her alma mater’s independent student newspaper, and has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for her work with the publication.