WALLA WALLA – It’s safe to go back in the water at the Illia Dunes, about a week after routine testing revealed elevated concentrations of fecal bacteria that caused concerns about public health.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reopened the Dunes on Thursday after a closure that lasted since Aug. 15. Public affairs specialist Bruce Henrickson said follow-up testing on Monday determined the contamination was not hazardous.