(SAMISH BAY)— The Washington State Department of Health re-opened Samish Bay to shellfish harvesting yesterday, a day earlier than expected.

The department closed the bay to harvest on Saturday after heavy rainfalls fed high levels of fecal coliform into Samish Bay.

The department temporarily closes the bay when the water flow reaches a certain threshold.

Samples collected from the Samish River Monday morning showed the amount of bacteria had decreased to an acceptable rate.

For more information on clean water efforts in the Samish Watershed, current status of the bay (open or closed for harvest), a calendar of Samish Bay shellfish bed closures to date, or to report a water quality problem, visit www.skagitcounty.net/cleanwater.

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