UPDATE: Lincoln City's D River Access Health Advisory is Lifted - Central Oregon Coast

Published 09/01/22 at 5:15 PM PST - Updated 09/02/22 at 2:15 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

UPDATE: THE WATER ADVISORY IS OVER. RECREATING IN THE WATER IS OK AGAIN ------ (Lincoln City, Oregon) – A very popular beach on the central Oregon coast is now under a health advisory, with officials saying you should stay out of the water. (Photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

D River Beach in Lincoln City has tested with unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in its ocean waters, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

“People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted,” OHA said in its health alert.

Levels of fecal bacteria in this range can cause skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, stomach cramps and other issues.

“Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria,” the agency said.

Visitors to this popular Oregon coast spot should also avoid nearby creeks, any pool of water on that beach, and any kind of discolored water. Stay out of water runoff that's flowing into the ocean as well. OHA said fecal bacteria levels tend to be greater in these sources.

The D River flows right into that stretch of sands, but is usually a tiny stream this time of year.

OHA said the river itself could be a source of the bacteria, as this can happen because of both shore and inland causes. Stormwater runoff, sewer overflows or failing septic systems just inland can cause the issue. Often, it is animal waste from livestock, pets or even just wildlife in the area. Gulls are thought to be a frequent cause of sudden rises in bacteria levels, which is one of many reasons local businesses and Oregon coast officials urge people not to feed the birds. They gather together in large flocks and release feces into the nearby ocean.

Ocean waters are re-tested frequently after an advisory has been issued. When the range of bacteria comes back low enough, OHA will issue a rescind order on the advisory. These lifts usually come within three or so days, while test results take 24 hours to come back.

Major beach accesses just north and south of the D River are in good shape. To be safe, Oregon Coast Beach Connection advises finding a beach access a half mile away from the D River, and there you should be fine to frolic in the water.

During these advisories, other normal activities at D River in Lincoln City are perfectly safe. OHA encourages continuing other forms of recreation such as flying kites, playing on the beach, walking, picnicking, etc. These pose no risk, OHA said.

Even if there is no advisory in effect, OHA said to avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

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