FOLLOWUP: Beach Drive leak’s over, but don’t go back into the water yet

(WSB photo, Tuesday)

Two days after those signs went up along the Beach Drive shore from Cormorant Cove Park to Constellation Park, the warning is still in effect. The Tuesday announcement from Seattle Public Utilities attributed the problem to a side sewer. We checked in with SPU today; spokesperson Sabrina Register replied, “The discharge, which was confined to one unit of a multi-unit complex, has stopped. Repairs are scheduled for early next week. Posted signs prohibiting water activities will remain in place for now. Seattle Public Utilities continues to sample the water and work with Public Health-Seattle & King County to determine when the area can safely reopen.”

12 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Beach Drive leak's over, but don't go back into the water yet"

  • Judy K July 15, 2021 (6:56 pm)

    This is a remarkably non-specific account for the Blog. Do you not know which multi-unit complex or did someone threaten a lawsuit if you published who is responsible for the break?

    • WSB July 15, 2021 (7:17 pm)

      What? That’s rather insulting. We’ve never been daunted by threats and anyone who is shouldn’t be in this business. I don’t have the building name because SPU hasn’t identified it and I can’t find a corresponding work permit application. Can’t publish info I don’t have – TR

      • Judy K July 15, 2021 (7:22 pm)

        That’s great to hear. Seriously, there was no offense intended. I have no idea what your policies are. I look forward to your reporting. Thanks.

        • alki_2008 July 19, 2021 (1:51 am)

          What does it matter who the property owner is?  Why do YOU need to know?  Let the city deal with it.

  • Auntie July 15, 2021 (7:59 pm)

    Kudos to WSB! I have never known you to publish any info that was wrong unless that is the way it was provided to you. Also, your reports are always unbiased. Thanks for your excellent journalism.

  • Barbara July 16, 2021 (8:57 am)

    A kayaker saw toilet paper hanging from broken pipe under one of the units in the Harbor West condo complex. The sewer pipes were broken and raw sewage was flushed directly into the sound.

    • AlkiFlyer July 16, 2021 (10:02 am)

      Yuck!  I hope this wasn’t going on when we were out on the beach for the recent low tides.  I live right across from Harbor West and Cormorant Cove Park is our usual launch point for adventures.

      • alki_2008 July 19, 2021 (1:55 am)

        The signs saying to stay out of the water went up last Tuesday.  7/13.

  • Chelsea July 21, 2021 (4:08 pm)

    Do you happen to know if there’s been an update since 7/15? I walked by Cormorant Cove last night (7/20) around 7:45 pm and the sign was still up near the sidewalk, but I can’t recall if I saw signs along Constellation or not. Thanks for all your reporting, WSB! 

    • WSB July 21, 2021 (4:13 pm)

      I already have an inquiry out with SPU. Somebody texted us this morning that they saw a sign at 64th/Alki too … so we put in for a followup.

      • Chelsea July 22, 2021 (11:22 am)

        Thank you for all your efforts! The Notorious Alki Swimmers appreciate you!

        • WSB July 22, 2021 (12:10 pm)

          Got another followup on this coming up this afternoon.

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