Golden Gardens beach reopens after sewage overflow



SEATTLE -- Golden Gardens beach was reopened Monday after new tests found the water to be safe. This comes after it was discovered that over 165,000 gallons of sewage found its way into the water.

The popular summer destination in Ballard was closed off with signs warning of illness and rashes if people swam in the contaminated water posted across the beach, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.

A Seattle Public Utilities official said a blockage caused by tree roots and people flushing things other than human waste and toilet paper cause the sewer to overflow.

Rachel Garrett with SPU told Q13 News that flushable wipes really should not be flushed down the toilet. The only thing that is safe - regardless of what packaging says - is toilet paper.