Jonah Tauiliili-Tunupopo, 16, jumps into Steel Lake on June 28, 2021. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror

Jonah Tauiliili-Tunupopo, 16, jumps into Steel Lake on June 28, 2021. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror

Steel Lake in Federal Way reopens after closure caused by raw sewage leak

Here’s how to stay safe while cooling off this summer.

There’s a good place to cool off with higher temperatures this week as Steel Lake in Federal Way has reopened for swimmers, fishers and waders, according to city officials.

The lake closed on May 27 due to a raw sewage release after samples of the lake water were taken on May 24. An analysis of the samples exceeded the cutoff for safe usage of the lake, according to the city.

Steel Lake officially reopened June 6.

The 52-acre park includes a playground, concessions, picnic areas, a sand volleyball pit, a boat launch and more. Steel Lake Park is at 2410 S. 312th Street in Federal Way.

There are no lifeguards on duty at Steel Lake, and King County has tips on how to stay safe while cooling off this summer.

Know the water

  • What is the temperature? Washington lakes and rivers are cold enough to cause hypothermia, even in the summer.
  • Always check the water conditions prior to swimming, boating or participating in any water recreational activity.
  • Never dive nor jump into unfamiliar water.

Know your limits

  • Learn to float, tread water, and swim.
  • Swim in lifeguarded areas.
  • ALWAYS watch children closely when they are in or near any type of water.
  • Avoid swimming during or after drinking alcohol.

Wear a life jacket

  • It is important to wear life jackets and to make sure that life jackets fit correctly.



Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

t
Federal Way Ukranian community rallies on 1,000th day of war

Group seeks to raise awareness about war

t
PSE says windstorm ‘comparable to a hurricane’ with ‘unprecedented damage’

Company crews rally to restore power to thousands of customers over 5-day period

t
‘Bomb cyclone’ leaves Renton residents without power, damages property

Reports of trees falling into structures and striking individuals in Renton

t
Drive-by shooting hospitalizes man in Auburn near Dave & Busters

Told police he was shot by a passing car the night of Nov. 17 at Outlet Collection mall

t
Renton man arrested in Skagit County sex crime sting

A total of 14 suspects were arrested.

Patrick Moneith teaches Artistic Roller skating at Southgate Roller Rink and also skates at El Centro Skate Rink. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / Sound Publishing
El Centro Skate Rink in Federal Way expands its repertoire

Rink is growing the presence of artistic skating and adult skate nights with live DJs.

t
Coyotes appear throughout Auburn

One West Hill woman is concerned for local children and small animals in her neighborhood

Courtesy Photo, King County
Man awaits resentencing for abusing autistic victim to death in Auburn

Convicted in the abuse, death of the son of a Renton School District special education teacher.

t
Snoqualmie approves downtown model train museum

‘It really isn’t about trains. It’s about imagination,’ model owner Peter Hambling said.

(Black Press file photo)
Auburn carjacking leaves elderly man in hospital with gunshot wound

Man left in serious condition after church parking lot shooting.

File photo
Thousands of firearm sales on hold in WA amid system crash

Washington state courts’ computer systems have been down for nearly two weeks,… Continue reading

King County Executive Dow Constantine. COURTESY PHOTO
King County Executive Dow Constantine won’t run for reelection in 2025

To give up position after 16 years; King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci to seek seat