Clallam County Health and Human Services’ Environmental Health Section officials are reminding the public to avoid marine water contact in urban and developed embayments such as Port Angeles Harbor and Clallam Bay during and following heavy rain events.

Release of untreated sewage and stormwater may occur during intense rain events when there is stormwater and when combined sewer and stormwater flows exceed sewer system capacities. Although the sewage release is diluted with stormwater, it may be potentially harmful to public health and aquatic life due to the introduction of pathogens and other wastes. The City of Port Angeles recently has completed a construction project that should significantly reduce the likelihood of combined sewer/stormwater release into the Port Angeles Harbor.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. For questions about the advisory, contact Clallam County Health and Human Services, Environmental Health, at 417-2424.