Juanita Beach Reopened for Water Activity; Houghton Remains Closed

Published on August 25, 2026

Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov

Juanita Beach has been reopened as of today, Aug. 25, 2026, for swimming, wading, and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The beach had been closed to swimming since Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, due to elevated bacteria levels.

Houghton Beach remains closed this week based on test results that continue to indicate elevated bacteria levels. The beach also closed on Aug. 18. It will remain closed for at least one additional week until testing results meet the reopening criteria.

Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria at Houghton Beach exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples.

For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.

Updates about Houghton Beach Park will be posted on the City’s website.

Why is the swimming area closed? Swim beaches throughout King County are tested weekly by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. If beach water tests high for bacteria, the swimming area will be closed. For testing information or to see which beaches are open/closed, please visit the King County Lake Swimming Beach Bacteria page.

Do you want to be notified of swim beach closures and reopening? Join the King County Lake Beach Alert mailing list.

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