UPDATE | Water test after Bainbridge sewage spills shows ‘very high concentrations of bacteria’

Published 4:45 pm Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Water testing near the mouth of Ravine Creek following a sewage spill that started at 920 Hildebrand Lane on Sunday has revealed “very high concentrations of bacteria,” the city of Bainbridge Island reported Tuesday.

The water sample in Eagle Harbor was collected Monday, and city officials said more samples were being taken Tuesday to confirm the results of the previous test.

Because the possibility exists that the 15,000-gallon spill could be the source of the high bacteria, the Kitsap Public Health District has set up a closure zone around the mouth of Ravine Creek in Eagle Harbor.  Officials are asking Bainbridge Island residents and visitors to stay at least 200 feet away from the stream mouth until further notice.

The closure zone is based on the concentration of the bacteria in the stream water sample, the estimated stream flow, and other factors, officials said.

In addition to the Eagle Harbor closure zone, the “no contact” advisory for Ravine Creek remains in place.

The sewage spill was reported Sunday afternoon.

City officials said it was caused when a pump station failed and untreated sewage overflowed into the city’s stormwater system. That part of the stormwater system discharges into Ravine Creek, which drains into Eagle Harbor.