Edmonds faces sewage spill crisis as testing reveals high E. Coli levels in lake

The Lake Ballinger McAleer Creek Watershed Forum convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss ongoing environmental issues and updates within the watershed. The meeting highlighted both positive developments and significant challenges faced by the communities surrounding Lake Ballinger and Echo Lake.

The forum began with a report on the current status of Echo Lake. Officials noted that there had been no major flooding events recently, which was considered a positive sign. However, there was a prolonged algae issue earlier in the year that resulted in opaque green water. Fortunately, monitoring efforts indicated improvements in water quality, suggesting that source control measures were effective. Plans for potential chemical treatments to manage algae were discussed, although these would not be implemented until the following year.

In contrast, the City of Edmonds reported a serious sewage spill that occurred in March. Public works crews discovered the spill during routine maintenance on the stormwater system. Testing revealed that a significant amount of sewage had entered the lake, with E. coli levels peaking at 874 coliform units per hundred milliliters. After extensive cleaning efforts, the contamination levels were reduced to safe limits, allowing for the removal of warning signs posted for lake users. However, the source of the sewage remains undetermined, raising concerns about future incidents.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued vigilance and monitoring of both Echo Lake and Lake Ballinger, as officials emphasized the importance of addressing pollution sources and maintaining water quality in the watershed. The forum underscored the collaborative efforts of local governments to tackle environmental challenges while ensuring the safety and health of the community.