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Published 10/02/09
Good and Bad Water News on Central Oregon Coast
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| D River State Park Beach in Lincoln City |
(Lincoln City, Oregon) – A health advisory has been issued for a beach access in Lincoln City, while a very positive report has been issued about Newport's tap water.
A public health advisory was issued Wednesday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at D River State Park Beach in Lincoln County. Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as storm water runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and even animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.
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| Lincoln City |
Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Direct contact with the water should be avoided until the advisories are lifted, especially for children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.
While these advisories are in effect at D River State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
State officials advise that the status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit their official site or call 877-290-6767.
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| Newport's Nye Beach |
Although state officials discourage water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities on these beaches because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.
More detailed test results are available at www.healthoregon.org/beach.
The City of Newport has mailed out the 2008 Consumer Confidence Reports for city water quality with September water bills. Additional copies are available at City Hall, 169 SW Coast Hwy, and at the Newport Public Library, and via their web site www.thecityofnewport.net.
“We are proud that this year, as in years past, the city’s tap water met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards,” said Newport engineer and spokesman Lee Ritzman in a press release. “The water quality report is designed to inform the public about the quality of water and the services the City delivers every day; our goal is to provide a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. The City makes every effort to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources.”
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| Underneath these rocks in Nye Beach, nicknamed "the jetty," there is another drainage pipe that discharges wastewater from a mill further inland, but this one lets loose its load a ways out in the ocean. |
The water quality report is a requirement of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act and is designed to increase public awareness of drinking water issues and to serve as a method for customers to make informed decisions regarding their drinking water.
If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to contact Steve Stewart, Plant Supervisor at the Water Treatment Plant at 541-265-7421, or Lee Ritzman City Engineer/Director of Public Works at the Public Works Office 541-574-3366.
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