Home / Environment / Oregon Beaches: Fecal Bacteria Forces Swimming Ban
Oregon Beaches: Fecal Bacteria Forces Swimming Ban
5 Sep
Summary
- Three Oregon beaches have public health advisories for unsafe fecal bacteria levels.
- Advisories warn against water activities where swallowing is possible.
- Beaches will remain open but visitors must avoid water contact.
Public health advisories have been issued for three Oregon beaches: Oceanside Beach in Tillamook County, Siletz Bay in Lincoln County, and Mill Beach in Curry County. These advisories were prompted by the detection of unsafe levels of enterococcus, commonly known as fecal bacteria. Visitors are strongly advised against swimming, surfing, diving, or kayaking at these locations due to the risk of swallowing contaminated water.
Authorities also recommend avoiding wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or any discolored water, as these areas may have higher concentrations of bacteria. Pets should also be kept out of the water. The Oregon Health Authority stated that the water will be retested, and the advisories will be lifted once bacterial levels return to safe standards.
While the beaches themselves remain open as of September 5, 2026, advisory signs are posted. The Oregon Health Authority monitors beach water quality from mid-May to mid-September. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can lead to various illnesses, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, and respiratory infections, with children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals being particularly vulnerable.
