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
Renton Police searching for suspect who assaulted 12-year-old girl

The suspect is linked to a case in 2023 and 2009 through DNA.

An AR-15 rifle and a loaded magazine that were recovered from a suspect in a shooting incident at the Kent Station parking garage in 2019. (Photo courtesy of King County Sheriff’s Office)
WA’s ban on assault weapon sales survives another challenge

A judge last month once again upheld Washington’s 2023 law banning the… Continue reading

Courtesy photo
Auburn man strangles wife to death in ‘honor killing’

The man told officers he thought his wife was having an affair.

t
Family continues to hope for missing Federal Way man’s return

Reportedly spotted in Kent in November 2024; vehicle left in May 2024 at Maleng Regional Justice Center

Kent Superintendent Israel Vela with Kiku Hughes and Eileen Yamada-Lamphere at Mill Creek Middle School. Photo courtesy of the Kent School District.
Author discusses graphic novel on Japanese incarceration camps

Each year, Washington students learn about Japanese-American detainments without due process following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and Kiku Hughes’ graphic novel “Displacement” has become part of that curriculum.

t
‘South Hill rapist’ residing in Federal Way dies

Convicted Spokane rapist Kevin Coe dies at age 78.

One of the amenities at the Soos Creek Botanical Gardens. Courtesy photo/City of Auburn
City of Auburn wants to buy Soos Creek Botanical Gardens

Auburn will use a $2.1 million King County Conservation Futures Tax grant.

t
SR 167 will see overnight closure in Auburn on Dec. 3-4

From 15th Street Northwest to S. 277th Street beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, to 4 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.

Courtesy Photo
Man fatally shot Nov. 26 in Federal Way

Officers found a suspect nearby and arrested him for investigation of murder.

File photo
Auburn man who told police he killed his wife is arrested

Her cause of death is listed as asphyxiation, manual strangulation.

Courtesy of Seattle Metro Pickleball Association
Washington’s pickleball license plate.
Pickleball gets its own Washington license plate

Washington served up a new license plate Nov. 19, honoring the state… Continue reading

New King County Executive Girmay Zahilay speaks after his Nov. 25 swearing in during a County Council meeting in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, King County
Girmay Zahilay, 38, sworn in as King County executive

Becomes the youngest person ever to hold the office, first immigrant, first refugee and the first millennial