Skagit County Public Health customer service counters are closed to the public to
promote social distancing and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). You may contact us during normal offices hours:
Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at (360) 416-1500.
Wildfire and Smoke Information
For current recommendations and monitoring information see the Washington Smoke blog
Particulates from wildfire smoke can have serious health impacts, particularly for those with heart or lung conditions and asthma. at Washington State Department of Health provides guidance on hazards from wildfire smoke and COVID-19.
Public Health Insider from King County provides guidance on keeping indoor air clean during smoke events.
Recreational Shellfish Harvesting
A seasonal vibrio advisory has been posted for recreational shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay through September 2020, keep shellfish cool and cook thoroughly. There is still a marine biotoxin closure for butter clams, varnish clams and geoduck.
BEFORE YOU DIG CHECK FOR REMAINING CLOSURES
The summer weather is heating up the water in lakes and ocean beaches. This can lead to increased risk from algae toxins and bacterial contamination. Please follow the guidance before you recreate or consume shellfish!
Blue green algae toxins in lakes: Some Skagit County lakes are experiencing blue green algae blooms. These blooms can release harmful toxins. Obtain current information for Skagit County lakes by calling 360-416-1555 or e-mailing EH@co.skagit.wa.us . General information for Washington lakes and past sample results can be found at www.nwtoxicalgae.org .
Bacterial contamination at Bayview State Park beach: Bayview State Park has been closed twice this summer due to high levels of fecal bacteria in the water. To check the current status of the beach go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/ .
Shellfish biotoxins: Always check before you dig for shellfish! Hazardous marine biotoxins will be increasing in area shellfish as the season progresses. Biotoxins are NOT destroyed by cooking! Make sure you know the status of your harvest beach by checking the Washington State Department of Health Biotoxin Bulletin at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/eh/portal/odw/si/BiotoxinBulletin.aspx or calling the hotline 1-800-562-5632.
Shellfish Vibreo levels: Vibreo bacteria levels will be rising in shellfish as the waters warm. Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish can lead to serious diarrheal illness from Vibreo infection. Cooking shellfish to 145 degrees F will kill the bacteria. Always harvest shellfish from beaches that are open and safe for biotoxins and always cook shellfish completely to kill pathogens.
Close
| Bat Exposure |
| Home page | Bats can carry rabies. Avoid contact with bats. |
| Drinking Water |
| Planning & Development Services now handles water availability review. |
| Drinking Water Safety |
| Home page | Keep drinking water safe in an emergency. |
| Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
|
| Home
Page | Help your family, friends, and workplace be prepared
and safely survive an earthquake, flood, or other emergency event.
Understand the role of Environmental Public Health in responding
to an emergency. |
|
|
| Food Safety |
| Home Page
| Are you interested in starting a food service, selling food
at a market or an event, holding a fund raiser, or just want to
serve safe food in your home? Find out about permitting requirements
for serving food to the public and many food safety topics. |
|
|
| On Site Sewage Program |
| Home
Page | Obtain the information you need to understand, protect,
and maintain your on-site septic system. Treating sewage properly
on your property prevents pollution of our waterways! |
|
| Recreational Water |
| Home
Page | Toxic algae blooms in lakes, beach water quality, swimming pool permitting. |
|
|
| Shellfish Safety |
|
Home
Page | Learn about where to harvest shellfish free
from biotoxins and bacterial pollutants and what you can do to
ensure the safety of marine waters.
|
|
|
| Solid and Hazardous Waste |
|
Home
Page | Understand the requirements for storing, disposing,
composting, or recycling the waste streams that your home or business
may produce. Submit concerns or questions on illegal dumping or
garbage accumulation.
|
|
|
| Vectors, Living Environments, and Animal Bites |
|
Home
Page | Critters in our natural environment and inside our homes and work spaces can impact our health. |
|
|
