Two state park beaches issue swim advisory

Twanoh State Park and Belfair State Park beaches have posted swimming warnings after Mason County Public Health and Human Services found high levels of enterococci bacteria.

J.J. Stepan, with Mason County Environmental Health, told the Journal he is optimistic the warnings will be lifted before the weekend.

"Most likely" the bacteria level will come down, Stepan said.

A second sample of the water was tested yesterday or will be tested today, he said.

The bacteria indicate the presence of fecal matter in water, which can sicken swimmers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Samples of the water were taken last week and the warm weather and crowds in the water can contribute to a high bacteria reading, according to Stepan.

Yellow warning signs were seen posted at both state park beaches Tuesday morning.

It's unlikely the bacteria levels will go higher, but the county has red "closed" signs for posting if that happens, Stepan said.